Mobitz Heart and Rhythm Center helps patients with atrial fibrillation in Houston, TX, stay healthy. Dr. Alireza Nazeri is your go-to cardiologist when you have questions about AFib. Read some of the most common questions we see and contact us today to make an appointment for your heart health.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most commonly diagnosed type of heart arrhythmia. It is a fast, irregular heartbeat that causes the atria, or the heart's upper chambers, to quiver inside the chest. Afib can occur in short episodes that only last a few seconds, but longer episodes require medical intervention.
You are at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation if you have a history of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. AFib increases your risk of stroke and heart failure but many patients lead long and healthy lives managing their symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms?
If you have atrial fibrillation in Houston, TX, symptoms could include:
- Fatigue
- Racing heart
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Some patients have partial fibrillation and don't experience symptoms. Fatigue is the most common symptom, and patients often contribute it to other issues, unfortunately only confirming atrial fibrillation after they have had a stroke.
Can You Treat Atrial Fibrillation?
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in Houston, TX, your cardiologist will develop a customized treatment plan that considers the severity of the episodes, your personal and family health history, and your current lifestyle and level of activity.
Treatment includes avoiding triggers that lead to AFib episodes. Some common triggers are caffeine, stress, and lack of sleep. Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your doctor to isolate and eliminate the veins sending faulty electrical signals and causing atrial fibrillation.
Treatment for AFib can also involve medications that thin your blood and help control the heart's rate and rhythm. You need to take these as directed and your doctor may recommend a medical alert bracelet that alerts others you are on this medication.
Get Help With AFib Today
Dr. Alireza Nazeri and Mobitz Heart and Rhythm Center are here for you if you have questions about atrial fibrillation in Houston, TX. Contact us for an appointment today at (713) 909-3166.