Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options

The earlier you treat your atrial fibrillation, the better

1. If you haven't been diagnosed but think you might have AF, see a doctor to get it checked
2. If you have been diagnosed with AF, discuss the treatment options with your doctor
3. If your treatment isn't working, talk to your doctor about making a change

AF Treatment options

• Medication to control the heart rate or rhythm
• "Blood thinners" (anticoagulation therapy) to prevent blood clots from forming
• Cardioversion (an electrical shock is delivered to the heart) during anaesthesia, or through medication, to reset an abnormal heart rhythm to normal
• Catheter ablation to terminate abnormal electrical pathways in the heart tissue
• Pacemakers and defibrillators (ICD), although not used as a stand-alone treatment, may be used in conjunction with medication or catheter ablation. Some pacemakers and defibrillators have features that detect AF early and help suppress episodes
• 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.

Learn more about AF treatment options

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