Atrial fibrillation is a fast, irregular rhythm where single muscle fibers in your heart’s upper chambers twitch or contract.  According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation is a major cause of stroke, especially among older people.  Most people respond to medical management and rate control, however, some are required to be placed on Coumadin therapy.  About 80% of patients do well with these kinds of treatments.  For those who have difficulty with medications or if irregular rhythm is difficult to control, the patient could be considered for catheter based techniques. 

For patients who are preparing to undergo a coronary open heart surgery and are in need of rhythm control and/or rate control, a commonly performed procedure known as a surgical maze, may be performed in conjunction with a bypass or valve replacement surgery.  The procedure is very useful when converting the heart to normal sinus rhythm, allowing cardiologist to be able to control the rate much easier.  If you have atrial fibrillation and are preparing for a cardiac procedure, speak with your physician about this lifesaving opportunity.

The doctors at Louisiana Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute are healing Cenla one heartbeat at a time.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (318) 442-0106 or toll free at (866) 860-0106.