Q: What is atrial fibrillation or AFib?
A:Atrial fibrillation, which is otherwise referred
to as AF or AFib, is the most common
irregular or abnormal heart rhythm disorder,
affecting more than 3 million Americans
today. Most everyone has experienced an
odd heartbeat – feeling your heart race,
pound, flutter, pause or skip a beat. These
episodes of unusual heart rhythm, or arrhythmia,
are caused by abnormal electrical
impulses in the heart and are often minor
and harmless. Sustained or more serious irregular
rhythms, however, can pose a danger
and lead to symptoms and complications.
Thankfully, more options to treat AFib are
available now than ever before.
Q: How is AFib diagnosed?
A: The only way to diagnose AFib is to obtain
an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
The ECG draws a picture on graph paper of
the electrical impulses traveling through the
heart muscle. An EKG provides an electrical
“snapshot” of the heart. For people who
have symptoms that come and go, other
methods may be needed to “capture” the
arrhythmia. One such test is a Holter monitor,
which is a small external recorder that
is worn over a short period of time, usually
one to three days. Another is a portable
telemetry monitor that is worn for up to a
month by patients who have less frequent
irregular heartbeat episodes and symptoms.
These days, the most exciting development
is the ability to capture an ECG recording
using a smartwatch or smartphone.
Q: What treatment options
are available for AFib?
A: The five most common methods used
to treat AFib are medications, lifestyle
changes, medical procedures, device therapy
and surgical treatment. Medications are
often the first approach to treating AFib.
Rate control medications, such as B-blockers
and calcium channel blockers, are used to
help slow the heart rate during atrial fibrillation.
Rhythm control medications (antiarrhythmic
drugs) help return the heart to its
normal sinus rhythm or maintain normal
sinus rhythm. Anticoagulant medications are
used reduce the risk of blood clots and
stroke. Lifestyle changes may include modifications
such as losing weight and limiting
stress. We are equipped to help our patients
with any necessary lifestyle changes! When
medications do not work to correct or control
atrial fibrillation, or when medications
are not tolerated, a medical procedure may
be necessary to treat the abnormal heart
rhythm. These procedures include electrical
cardioversion, pulmonary vein ablation, hybrid
ablation and ablation of the AV node.
For some patients, a device will be required.
These include implantable loop recorders,
permanent pacemakers and left atrial appendage
closure devices. Certain patients
are candidates for surgical treatments such
as the maze procedure and the excision or
exclusion of the left atrial appendage.
Q: Can you please explain the value
of The Snyder Center’s new online
consultation service?
A: We launched the new online consultation
service to make it easier for people
newly diagnosed with AFib or those whose
AFib has not adequately responded to treatment
to access the expertise of Valley’s electrophysiology
practice. The goal of the
consult is to review with the patient their
current treatment strategy. For many patients,
no further follow-up will be necessary.
However, for others, there may be opportunity
to enhance their care by availing the resources
available within The Snyder Center.
For these patients, further care will be delivered
through a direct in-office consultation
with an electrophysiologist at The
Snyder Center. An added bonus is that, with
an online consultation, there is no need to
travel or take time off from work or other
daily obligations.
Q: What makes The Snyder Center
for Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation’s
approach to care unique?
A: The Snyder Center takes a total patient
management approach to AFib instead of a
“silo” approach focused on ablation techniques
only. As a result, patients at The Snyder
Center are evaluated by a multidisciplinary
team that may include electrophysiologists,
plus specialists in cardiology,
diagnostic imaging, sleep medicine, nutrition
and weight-loss management, diabetes and
stress management. Together, we work with
patients to ensure they are getting the best
available treatment for their atrial fibrillation,
while also addressing other contributing
health issues, such as stress, hypertension,
sleep apnea and obesity that can cause or
worsen AFib. Navigators and coordinators
guide patients through the entire care continuum.
The emphasis is on overall health,
not simply treating atrial fibrillation. Perhaps
most importantly, we understand that managing
AFib is a daily responsibility for many
patients and we are dedicated to serving as
partners in their care.
To learn more about the Snyder Center
for Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation,
please call 201-447-8291 or visit
www.SnyderAFCenter.com, where a
three-minute animated video explains
the Snyder model of care.
BC Health, Beauty & Fitness 66
Don’t Dismiss
ATRIAL
FIBRILLATION
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of abnormal heart
rhythm, is not usually life-threatening on its own. If untreated, however,
AFib can cause serious complications. We recently had a conversation with Suneet Mittal, M.D., Director,
Electrophysiology, The Valley Hospital, and Medical Director, The Snyder Center for Comprehensive Atrial
Fibrillation, Valley Medical Group, about AFib and a new approach to patient consultations – telemedicine.
/www.SnyderAFCenter.com