How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm from the upper chambers of the heart. An ECG can confirm the rhythm, while other checks help assess heart function, blood pressure, thyroid problems, and stroke risk. Anticoagulation management may be recommended when the risk of a clot is high enough to justify it. Other medicines can slow the heart rate or help maintain a steadier rhythm. Some people are assessed for cardioversion, catheter ablation, or another specialist approach.

Take heart medicines consistently and do not stop anticoagulants without medical advice. Report bleeding, black stools, severe headache, or a fall with a head injury if you take an anticoagulant. Record palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness, triggers, and how long episodes last. Limit personal triggers such as excess alcohol, dehydration, poor sleep, or stimulant use when advised. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep-related breathing problems, or heart failure may improve overall control.

Call emergency services for sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, speech difficulty, severe chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath. These may indicate stroke, heart failure, or another emergency. Seek prompt assessment for a sustained fast heartbeat with dizziness, marked weakness, or breathlessness, especially if the rhythm is new or different.

Ask whether you need anticoagulation, how your stroke risk is assessed, and what bleeding signs to watch for. Ask whether rate control or rhythm control suits you, how to monitor treatment, and whether an ECG, echocardiogram, or specialist referral is needed.