What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation, also referred to as AFib, is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that is commonly described as a “fluttering” or “pounding” sensation. If left untreated, it can lead to blood clots, heart failure, stroke and other heart-related complications.
It’s one of the most common heart rhythm problems among adults in the U.S., impacting about 9% of people age 65 or older and 2% of people under age 65. It’s common in people who have other heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure (hypertension).
What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?
Although atrial fibrillation doesn’t always present symptoms, some of its more common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Sensations of a fluttering or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Our Cardiac Surgery Experts
Our award-winning team of renowned surgeons, physicians and other specialists provide exceptional cardiac treatment and personalized care to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
How We Diagnose Atrial Fibrillation
Our doctors will check your pulse for a regular beat and rhythm and may order or an Electrocardiogram to diagnose AFib.
How We Treat Atrial Fibrillation
It’s critical to manage atrial fibrillation to reduce your risk of heart failure, stroke and other heart-related complications. We use the most current treatments and technologies available to treat atrial fibrillation, including:
- Cardiac ablation to block irregular electrical signals in the heart
- Medications to regulate the heartbeat
- Healthy diet and lifestyle to slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure
- Left atrial appendage closure (LAAO) to help prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (such as the Watchman device)
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Your Care
Recognition
Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally ranked for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, and the best Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program in the state of New Jersey, by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.
High Performing
Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center were named High Performing hospitals for Aortic Valve Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center received 3-Star awards for valve procedures from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Expertise
The experienced teams at Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center performed more than 1,600 open heart surgery cases in 2020.
Innovative Care
Bypass surgery is offered minimally invasively at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center thanks to a rare procedure using robotics technology, which is available at just a handful of medical facilities nationally.
Patient Story
The minute I met Dr. Grant Simons, I instantly sensed that he’s good at what he does. And I was right. He was able to restore my heart to a normal rhythm. Today I feel great. — Anthony Vesce, Florham Park, N.J.
Find an Atrial Fibrillation Care Location
Heart Care Services
- Advanced Cardiac Imaging
- Angioscreen
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
- Cardiac Stress Test
- Cardio-Oncology
- Cardiogenic Shock Management
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
- CT Calcium Scoring
- Echocardiogram
- Electrophysiology
- Heart Failure
- HeartFlow Analysis
- Screenings, Prevention and Diagnostics
- Heart Surgery Options
- Hypertension
- Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
- MitraClip
- Pacemaker Implantation
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Robotic Heart Surgery
- Structural and Congenital Heart Disease
- TAVR
- TCAR Procedure
- Valve Surgery
- Vascular Care
- Watchman
