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.

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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.

Meet Dr. Meyer

  • "I would highly recommend Dr. Meyer to anyone who needs a cardiologist and I am certain that once you are under Doctor Meyer's care you will agree with my sentiments."

    STEVEN L.

  • "I have found Dr Meyer to be an excellent communicator explaining in detail both the relevancy of needed tests and the implications of their results."

    SELF-VERIFIED PATIENT

  • "I have appreciated how professional and personable Dr. Meyer & his wonderful staff have been to me. I would enthusiastically recommend his services to anyone who asked."

    EVONNE S.

  • "I really appreciated Dr Meyer for his thoroughness in examining me. He listened made me comfortable and gave me very good advice."

    YASSINE F.

  • "Dr. Meyer and his staff are extremely professional and caring. He's a good diagnostician and a great cardiologist."

    SAMUEL H.

  • "Dr. Meyer is very knowledgeable with great bedside manner and unbelievable knowledge. Great office, great staff and phenomenal doctor."

    OLEG R.

  • "Dr Meyer has been my cardiologist for several years. He is very meticulous and has developed fantastic health solutions that has made a marked difference in my life."

    PHILIP B.

  • "Dr. Meyer has been my cardiologist for almost 20 years and has always given me the best care possible. I feel very lucky to have Dr. Meyer as my doctor."

    LEWISE L.

  • "Dr. Meyer is very personable and professional with just the right amount of wit and humor to make you feel comfortable during the visit."

    MARCIA M.

  • "There is a warm, friendly, reassuring atmosphere from the moment you walk in until you leave, and, of course, Dr. Meyer spends the time to answer all your questions."

    ROBERT FRIEDMAN

  • "I’ve been seeing Dr. Meyer for many years now. I appreciate the fact that he tells it to you straight, the good & the bad, which is not always easy to digest!!"

    EILEEN EICHENSTEIN

  • "Doc Meyers is very professional and a very nice person. He makes you feel that your best interest are in his hands."

    ANDREW STAIR

  • "Staff is welcoming when checking in. Maria is wonderful. She is friendly, thorough, explains all of the procedures, etc. Dr. Meyer is personable and engaged"

    MARILYN SMITH

  • "Dr. Meyer is top-notch in every way. Extremely intelligent and knowledgeable and kind and caring. I asked a lot of questions, and he answered them all patiently."

    ELIZABETH BESEN

  • "I see Dr. Meyer four times a year for my AF and he and his office take excellent care of me. His nurse, Marie, is very capable and kind."

    SANDRA BOOTH

  • "I am a doctor, and now a patient of Dr. Mark Meyer. He is a spectacularly smart and thorough physician. I have complete confidence in his judgment"

    JASON PENZER

  • "The doctor is extremely thorough in his examination and follow-up. He does not rush you and is very attentive and welcomes any questions you may have."

    NEIL GRILL

  • "Dr Meyer's office is always professional and efficiently run. The standard of care that Dr. Meyer gives is extremely high."

    ANTHONY MANOLI

  • "Dr Meyer and Marie are always great. Besides providing care efficiently and quickly, they always listen to my stories and background to provide the best care."

    PAUL LEE

  • "Excellent in all respects.. and always on time Very caring and detailed in his responses and recommendations, stays on top of latest medical advances."

    RICHARD ZAKIN

Book your appointment today and access the most exclusive personalized medical care in New York with Dr. Mark Meyer

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