Atrial Fibrillation
By 2030, more than 12 million Americans will have atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia. You can take charge of your heart health by coming to Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown Manhattan, for atrial fibrillation evaluation and diagnosis with renowned New York cardiologist Mark Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of heart arrhythmia characterized by rapid, slow, or irregular electrical impulses in the atria — the heart's two upper chambers. This irregular activity interferes with the atria's ability to effectively pump blood into the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). As a result, blood flow throughout the body can be compromised.
Atrial fibrillation can present as sporadic episodes (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) or persist over time, potentially becoming a permanent condition if left untreated.
Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation
Several health conditions and lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. These include:
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Approximately 20% of individuals with hypertension eventually develop atrial fibrillation.
Valvular Heart Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Chronic Kidney Disease
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Obesity
In addition, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor general health maintenance can further elevate the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation may vary in severity and frequency. Common symptoms include:
Heart palpitations (a racing, fluttering, or pounding heart)
Fatigue or chronic exhaustion
Reduced exercise tolerance
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Episodes of fainting (syncope)
Initially, many individuals experience symptoms intermittently. Over time, without appropriate treatment, atrial fibrillation can progress from occasional (paroxysmal) to persistent or permanent forms. Some patients may be asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally during routine medical evaluations.
Complications of Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation should never be ignored, even if no symptoms are present. Without treatment, AFib significantly increases the risk of serious complications, particularly:
Stroke: Individuals with atrial fibrillation are 4 to 5 times more likely to experience a stroke. Notably, strokes associated with atrial fibrillation tend to be more severe than those caused by other factors.
Heart Failure: Chronic irregular heart rhythms can weaken the heart muscle over time.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, Dr. Meyer offers comprehensive diagnostic services to accurately detect and assess atrial fibrillation. Diagnostic evaluations may include:
Physical Examination
Blood Tests
Echocardiography
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
Stress Testing
Holter Monitor (24-hour or longer-term ambulatory ECG monitoring)
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Meyer will customize a treatment plan aimed at restoring normal heart rhythm and preventing complications like blood clots and stroke.
Treatment options may include:
Medication Therapy: Medications to control heart rate, restore normal rhythm, and reduce the risk of clot formation.
Electrical Cardioversion: A procedure to reset the heart's rhythm.
Lifestyle Modifications: Implementing strategies such as smoking cessation, limiting alcohol intake, weight management, dietary improvements, stress reduction techniques (e.g., yoga, meditation), and optimizing sleep hygiene.
Surgical Interventions: In cases where non-invasive treatments are insufficient, procedures such as catheter ablation or surgical maze procedures may be recommended.
How Can Dr. Mark Meyer Help You with Atrial Fibrillation?
At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, we deliver personalized, expert care tailored to the complexities of atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular health. We champion early detection and precision management, blending advanced diagnostics with therapeutic strategies to preserve and enhance heart function. With a commitment to clinical excellence and individualized attention, our practice ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of medical care in an atmosphere of sophistication and trust.
Meet Dr. Mark Meyer
Mark L. Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC, is a board-certified physician and among the leading cardiologists and internists in New York. He is the founder of Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown, Manhattan, serving patients throughout New York City. Dr. Meyer integrates different approaches to medicine to provide his patients expert and personalized care at every step of the health journey.
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