Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disturbance in adults. It is rarely life-threatening, however, can cause significant symptoms and side effects. Below are some of the many online resources for patients with AF.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) - General Information

• AF Information from the American College of Cardiology

• A Patient's Guide to Living with Atrial Fibrillation (Circulation, a journal from the American Heart Association)

• Atrial Fibrillation Patient Resources (American Heart Association)

• Atrial Fibrillation - Beyond the Basics (UpToDate)

• Atrial Fibrillation Patient Page (Journal of the American Medical Association)

Patient Education Videos by Dr. Josh Cooper @narrowQRS (a heart rhythm doctor at Temple University)

• What is Atrial Fibrillation?

• How do we treat A.fib?

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation

Catheter-based, minimally-invasive therapy for treatment of AF. The procedure is sometimes known as "PVI", for 'pulmonary vein isolation.'

• AF Ablation - Different Types (Heart Rhythm Society)

• Catheter Ablation for Abnormal Heartbeats (UpToDate)

• Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation - Patient Page (Circulation)

Cardioversion

A cardioversion is minor procedure where the heart is converted back to normal rhythm, usually using an electric shock. This does not cure or treat AF, but can improve how patients feel temporarily. In many, if not most, cases AF returns eventually.

• Cardioversion patient information (Heart Rhythm Society)

• Cardioversion - Beyond the Basics (UpToDate)

Information from Vendors (companies that make equipment we use)

• Biosense-Webster's GetSmartAboutAfib education page