What is AFib?
AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder in America. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat out of rhythm. This means blood is not pumped efficiently to the rest of the body, causing an unusually fast heart rate, quivering, or thumping feelings in the heart.
AFib is a progressive disease and, if left untreated, may worsen over time. This can lead to increased risk of stroke and heart complications. AFib episodes often take place without you knowing. These are called asymptomatic episodes. Even asymptomatic AFib episodes can be serious and may lead to complications. Detecting and treating your AFib earlier may result in better outcomes, reduced symptoms, and improved quality of life.
Normal heartbeat
A small pulse of electric current spreads quickly through the heart to make the muscle contract.
Atrial fibrillation
In AFib, the heart’s upper chambers beat faster than the rest of the heart.
AFib symptoms may feel very different to different people. You may notice:
- Irregular, rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats
- Fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
You may only feel you don’t have as much energy as usual. You may just not feel like yourself. It is important to get diagnosed as soon as possible to limit the damage AFib may cause to your heart.
If you've experienced any of these symptoms, print this discussion guide to bring to your next doctor's appointment.
If you have AFib, or your doctor suspects that you do, long-term heart monitoring may help.
A small heart monitor can watch your heart for 3–4.5 years.† An insertable heart monitor, also known as a “loop recorder,” automatically catches abnormal heartbeats if they happen and sends that information directly to your doctor. This information can help your doctor diagnose and identify the best treatment options for you. Learn more about diagnosing AFib by downloading the brochure.
† Nominal settings.
Watch a patient story.
Meet Candice, who was diagnosed with AFib after experiencing symptoms for years. She learned to manage her condition with the help of her doctor and information provided by an insertable heart monitor.‡
‡ Not every person will receive the same results. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Treating AFib early is important, as AFib can worsen over time. If you have been diagnosed with AFib, a catheter ablation procedure may be right for you. Cardiac ablations are minimally invasive procedures that are performed in a hospital. With a short recovery time, most people return to normal activities within a few days. Learn about two safe and effective options that are FDA approved for the treatment of AFib.
Arctic Front™ cryoablation system
The Medtronic Arctic Front™ cryoablation system is a safe and effective treatment for AFib. It is the only catheter ablation option to control your heart’s rhythm before or after trying medications. The Medtronic cryoballoon is an inflatable balloon that uses cold energy to remove heat from the tissue that is causing irregular heartbeats and disable unwanted electrical signals.
DiamondTemp™ ablation system
The Medtronic DiamondTemp™ ablation system is a safe and effective option that is FDA approved for the treatment of paroxysmal AFib as an alternative after medication to control your AFib. The procedure uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the tissue through the DiamondTemp™ ablation catheter. The heat creates scar tissue, or lesions, that disables unwanted electrical signals that cause AFib.
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) with the PulseSelect™ PFA system
Pulsed field ablation delivers short bursts of non-thermal energy and is a safe and effective way to treat certain types of AFib. The Medtronic PulseSelect™ pulsed field ablation (PFA) system was engineered with differentiated safety features from 15 years of research and backed by the results of one of the safest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed IDE AFib ablation trials to date.
Talk to your doctor today to learn more and discuss which treatment option may be right for you. Not every person will receive the same results.
What is my AFib burden?
If you are diagnosed with AFib, knowing your "AFib burden" can help your doctor with your treatment. AFib burden is the amount of time you are in AFib over a period of time.
- Number of episodes (those you feel and those you do not feel)
- How long your AFib episodes last
Medtronic insertable heart monitors can help your doctor measure your AFib burden and make decisions about your medications and treatments, like blood thinners or ablation.1–5
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It is important for you to get the right answers to your questions. Talk to your doctor if you have questions, or contact Medtronic Patient Services.
1. Witkowski M, Bissinger A, Grycewicz T, Lubinski A. Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with atrial fibrillation and implanted pacemaker. Int J Cardiol. 2017;227:583-588. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.10.097.
2. Passman R, Leong-Sit P, Andrei AC, et al. Targeted anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation guided by continuous rhythm assessment with an insertable cardiac monitor (REACT.COM) Pilot Study. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2016;27(3):264–270. doi: 10.1111/jce.12864.
3. Zuern CS, Kilias A, Berlitz P, et al. Anticoagulation after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation guided by implantable cardiac monitors. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2015;38(6):688–693. doi: 10.1111/pace.12625.
4. Mascarenhas DAN, Farooq MU, Ziegler PD, Kantharia BK. Role of insertable cardiac monitors in anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of bleeding. Europace. 2016;(18)6):799–806. doi: 10.1093/europace/euv350.
5. Pothineni NVK, Amankwah N, Santangeli P, et al. Continuous rhythm monitoring-guided anticoagulation after atrial fibrillation ablation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2021;32(2):345–353. doi: 10.1111/jce.14864.