Health Tip: Treating Atrial Fibrillation

(HealthDay News) -- Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs when the atria, the heart''s two upper chambers, beat irregularly and ineffectively. Since blood cannot always be properly pumped out of the heart, the condition could lead to formation of dangerous clots, and ultimately a stroke.

The American Heart Association offers this list of possible treatments for AF:

• Medications to regulate a rapid and/or erratic heartbeat.
• Electrical shock to the heart to regulate heartbeat.
• A burst of radiofrequency energy is delivered to destroy tissue that triggers abnormal electrical signals to the heart.
• Surgery.
• Implantation of a pacemaker.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Aug. 10, 2006