Rhythm control for atrial fibrillation (AF) aims to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Early treatment may reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular death, and heart failure hospitalizations, while helping prevent structural changes in the heart (remodeling) and improving quality of life.
What Is Rhythm Control?
Rhythm control is a strategy for managing atrial fibrillation, or AFib, that aims to return your heart to a normal rhythm and keep it that way.
Depending on your situation, you may need acute rhythm control, long-term rhythm control, or a combination of both.
Sometimes patients need acute rhythm control to get back into a normal rhythm, also called sinus rhythm, quickly. This can be done through a procedure called cardioversion, which may be either electrical or chemical.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion uses a low-energy electrical shock to return your heart to a normal rhythm. It is performed in a clinical setting after you are put to sleep so you do not feel any pain.
Chemical Cardioversion
Chemical cardioversion is performed by giving antiarrhythmic medications through an IV and does not require you to be put to sleep. These medications help restore your heart to a normal rhythm.
Long-Term Rhythm Control Options
Your doctor may also discuss long-term rhythm control options, which may include oral antiarrhythmic medications taken at home or a procedure called catheter ablation.
Catheter ablation uses heat or cold energy to target heart tissue and silence abnormal electrical signals that cause AFib. This procedure is performed in a clinical setting by a heart rhythm specialist called an electrophysiologist (EP).
To find out more or locate a specialist in your area, visit UpBeat.org.