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Atrial Fibrillation Specialist

Louisiana Heart and Vascular

Interventional Cardiologists & Internal Medicine located in Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, Franklinton, and Slidell, LA

As many as 6.1 million people in the United States are living with atrial fibrillation. At Louisiana Heart and Vascular in Covington, Louisiana, interventional cardiologist Farhad Aduli, MD, FACC, offers comprehensive care for racing or irregular heartbeats due to atrial fibrillation. Using in-office diagnostic testing, Dr. Aduli can quickly confirm your diagnosis and get you started on the right treatment plan. Call the practice today to learn more about treatment options available for atrial fibrillation or book an appointment online now.

Atrial Fibrillation Q & A

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation describes an irregular, typically rapid heart rate. This condition affects the upper two chambers of your heart (atria) and causes them to beat out of sync with the two lower chambers (ventricles).

In a healthy heart, electrical signals travel through the upper chambers and down into the lower chambers to regulate the contractions of your heart. These contractions send blood to your heart and back to the rest of your body. 

Atrial fibrillation results when the signals are chaotic and cause your heart to beat irregularly.

You may be at increased risk for atrial fibrillation due to:

  • Heart attack
  • Heart defects
  • Lung diseases
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart valve abnormalities
  • Thyroid or metabolic disorder

It’s also possible to develop atrial fibrillation due to certain medications, caffeine, or alcohol.

Without proper treatment, atrial fibrillation can increase your risk for stroke, heart failure, and other long-term heart complications.

How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation for atrial fibrillation if you experience heart palpitations or a racing heart. Other symptoms of atrial fibrillation that need an evaluation include:

  • Weakness
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

Dr. Aduli offers several on-site diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of your atrial fibrillation. In addition to a review of your medical history and your symptoms, he may request:

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart structures. This noninvasive test can diagnose heart disease or blood clots.

Holter monitor

A Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device that you wear on a belt or around your shoulder. The device measures your heart’s activity for 24 hours or more.

Event recording

Event recording also uses a portable ECG device to monitor your heart activity, but for a longer period. You may need to use an event recorder for several weeks or months to get an accurate measure of your heart rhythm patterns.

Stress test

A stress test involves performing physical activity, such as walking on a treadmill, while an ECG measures your heart’s activity.

Bloodwork may also be necessary to rule out infection or a thyroid or metabolic disorder.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Your treatment plan for atrial fibrillation depends on the severity of your condition. Dr. Aduli focuses on reducing your risk for blood clots and other complications and resetting the rhythm of your heart.

Cardioversion is a procedure that uses paddles to deliver an electrical shock into your heart to reset its natural rhythm. Cardioversion can also involve medications to restore a healthy heartbeat and help control how fast your heart beats.

If you experience frequent heart palpitations or a racing heart, schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or by calling Louisiana Heart and Vascular today.

We see patients from the following surrounding cities: Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell, LA. Call us to book your appointment today.