For patients diagnosed with AF, a number of first-line therapies may be available, including medication and cryo/cardiac ablation.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, known as AF or Afib, is an irregular, rapid heart rate that may cause symptoms like heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Normal heartbeat

Flow of electrical signals in a normal heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation with abnormal signals originating in the atria.

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

Medication

to control the heart rate or rhythm

(anti-arrhythmic drugs)

Blood thinners

anti-coagulation therapy to prevent blood clots from forming

Cardioversion

(an electrical shock is delivered to the heart) during anesthesia, or through medication, to reset an abnormal heart rhythm back to normal

Catheter ablation

to terminate abnormal electrical pathways in the heart tissue

Pacemakers and defibrillators

implantable devices to detect and treat atrial fibrillation early and suppress the onset of AF

Surgery

Minimally invasive (AF only) or open-chest (in conjunction with other cardiac surgery) surgical ablation to create lesions that block abnormal electrical circuits causing atrial fibrillation

Once atrial fibrillation is thought to be suppressed or treated, care must still be taken to monitor for recurrences of AF. Even if there are no symptoms, atrial fibrillation may cause a stroke. Talk to your doctor about which treatments may be appropriate for you.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Access the ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation.

Visit our website to learn more about the latest clinical trials and global evidence for using cryoballoon ablation as a rhythm control therapy. Here, you will also find a number of helpful resources you can share with your patients when considering options for treatment.

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