Atrial Fibrillation

The normal heartbeat begins with an electrical impulse originating in the upper right chamber (atrium) of the heart and arises from a structure known as the sinus node. In an average lifetime a normal heart will beat well over 3 billion times. Amazingly for most people, the heart beats flawlessly second to second, year after year. The heart, however, is not immune to electrical disturbances, called arrhythmias, whereby the heart may beat erratically, too fast or too slow.  Symptoms that may arise from such arrhythmias include palpitations (skipped heart beats, pauses or racing beats), shortness of breath, activity intolerance, fatigue, lightheadedness, blackouts (syncope).

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common rhythm disturbances and occurs when the atria (top two chambers of the heart) more or less quiver rather than beating in an organized manner. Often this irregular heartbeat in upper heart chambers drives the lower pumping chambers (ventricles) to beat too fast resulting in a rapid and irregular pulse and often troublesome symptoms. Other fast rhythm disturbances include supraventricular tachycardias, atrial flutter and ventricular tachycardias. Slower heart rhythm problems may arise from disease of the sinus node (the heart’s intrinsic pacemaker) or problems with the “heart’s wiring” leading to various forms of heart block with a slow heartbeat and symptoms.

Heart, Rhythm & Vascular Specialists of Dayton has extensive experience in the diagnoses and treatment of atrial fibrillation and all heart rhythm abnormalities. Our expertise encompasses curative catheter ablations, implantation/management of pacemakers/defibrillators and left atrial appendage closure to reduce the risk of stroke stemming from atrial fibrillation. Experience matters in treating your heart condition. Put the experience of Heart, Rhythm & Vascular Specialists of Dayton to work for you.