Michigan Heart Rhythm Group Atrial Fibrillation Clinic

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It is found in about 2.2 million Americans. Michigan Heart Rhythm Group offers a full range of services for this condition. Treating atrial fibrillation is important for several reasons. An irregular, rapidly beating heart can weaken the heart muscle and cause it to dilate or stretch out. This can increase your risk of developing heart failure or having chest pain or even a heart attack. Also, atrial fibrillation can greatly increase your risk of having a stroke. Many people are able to live full and active lives while being treated for atrial fibrillation.

Electrical cardioversion is frequently used for atrial fibrillation to restore a normal sinus rhythm if the heart rhythm does not convert on its own. Your Michigan Heart Rhythm board-certified physician may consider using electrical cardioversion or antiarrhythmic medicines to convert your heart to a normal rhythm. If you’ve had atrial fibrillation for more than 48 hours, we will probably prescribe anticoagulants for several weeks to reduce the risk of stroke before attempting cardioversion. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) can also be performed to see if your heart is clear of clots.

If medicines do not keep you in normal rhythm and you continue to be bothered by your symptoms, catheter ablation might help you. Catheter ablation is used to try to cure atrial fibrillation or to control the heart rate. The procedure destroys small areas in the heart that might be causing atrial fibrillation or keeps it going. Michigan Heart Rhythm Group has extensive experience in all the available treatments for AF including new and experimental ablation procedures.

To schedule your appointment, call 248-267-5050 or request your appointment online.