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Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, affecting millions of Americans and significantly increasing their risk of stroke. Fortunately, innovative treatment options at Loma Linda University Health offer patients hope for effective management and improved quality of life. Ravi Mandapati, MD, medical director of the International Heart Institute, provides an overview of treatment options.

The treatment of Afib generally revolves around two primary goals: managing the heart's rhythm and preventing strokes.

  1. Managing Rhythm:
    • Rate Control: Medications or pacemakers can regulate the heart rate to alleviate symptoms.
    • Rhythm Restoration: Antiarrhythmic medications or catheter ablation procedures can restore a normal heart rhythm.
  2. Stroke Prevention:
    • Blood-thinning medications help reduce the risk of clot formation.
    • Various implants can occlude the left atrial appendage, a common site for clot formation, to mitigate stroke risk without the need for long-term blood thinners.

LLUH stands out as a leader in Afib care by offering advanced and unique treatment options:

  • Pulsed Field Ablation: This sophisticated catheter ablation procedure uses non-thermal energy to target abnormal heart tissue. Its safety profile surpasses that of traditional thermal ablation techniques.
  • Hybrid Surgical Ablation: For patients with chronic Afib and significant scar tissue, LLUH combines surgical and catheter-based techniques for a more comprehensive approach to rhythm restoration.
  • Intracardiac Echocardiography-Guided Left Atrial Appendage Closure: LLUH is a pioneer in this minimally invasive procedure, allowing the implantation of closure devices under moderate sedation, avoiding general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation.

Read: LLUMC reaches 600-patient milestone in left atrial appendage occlusion program

“We are distinguished by our access to state-of-the-art technologies and a robust support infrastructure that enables superior safety standards,” Madapati says. “These factors allow LLUH to provide exceptional care for patients with advanced or chronic Afib, setting it apart from other centers in the region.”

Medications and Their Role

“Medications remain a cornerstone of Afib management, but their use is highly individualized,” Mandapati says.

Factors such as age, comorbidities, and the stage of the disease play a significant role in determining the best pharmaceutical approach for each patient.

Determining Candidacy for Procedures

Certain patients may benefit more from procedural interventions:

  • Catheter Ablation: This is ideal for symptomatic patients, those with heart failure, or individuals diagnosed with Afib before the age of 65.
  • Left Atrial Appendage Closure: This option is suitable for patients with nonvalvular Afib who face a heightened risk of stroke and are unable to tolerate long-term blood thinners.

“Patients undergoing treatment for Afib at LLUH consistently achieve excellent outcomes,” Mandapati says.

Tips for Improved Quality of Life

To enhance quality of life while managing Afib, patients are encouraged to:

  • Engage in regular exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Seek early medical intervention for symptoms.

Stroke prevention is paramount for Afib patients, as Afib-related strokes are often severe. Taking prescribed medications consistently and without interruption is essential to reducing risk. For patients who cannot tolerate blood thinners, left atrial appendage closure offers a viable alternative.

Learn more about AFib and available treatment options online or call 800-468-5432.