Atrial Fibrillation Clinic
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm abnormality that starts in the atria. Approximately 2.2 million people in America have paroxysmal or persistent AF. The chance of developing AF increases with age and is a major cause of stroke.
When someone has AF, the sinus node (SA node) doesn’t properly direct the heart’s electrical rhythm. Many different impulses rapidly fire at the same time, causing a very fast and chaotic rhythm in the atria (upper chambers of the heart). Because the electrical impulses are so fast and chaotic, the atria cannot contract and/or squeeze blood effectively into the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). This decreases the heart’s pumping ability and increases the risk for blood clots.
The Carle Atrial Fibrillation Clinic brings together specialists from cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac imaging with expertise in diagnostic testing, medical management, and interventional and surgical procedures.
