Inova AFib Center

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In AFib, the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and often too quickly, which can lead to symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Understanding AFib involves knowing its potential causes, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, and recognizing the importance of timely diagnosis and management to reduce the risk of complications like stroke. Learning about AFib is crucial for taking proactive steps in managing their heart health and improving their quality of life.

Learn more about AFib.

The conditions causing AFib and managing it are complex. A comprehensive approach offers not only convenience for the patient but also efficiency for the care team that fosters better collaboration and faster access to essential treatments.

Early studies show that this approach with AFib patients has been associated with improved outcomes such as a 49% reduction in all-cause mortality, 42% reduction in cardiovascular hospitalizations, 50%–82% reduction in emergency department visits, significantly shorter wait times to see an electrophysiologist, more cost-effective care, and fewer readmissions and shorter length of hospital stay.

In addition to an electrophysiologist, the number of specialists involved in a patient's care will be determined following their comprehensive assessment. 

Electrophysiologist (EP)

Electrophysiologists are cardiologists with additional training in electrical impulses in the heart. They diagnose and treat disruptions in the normal heart rhythm (arrhythmias), including AFib, and are trained to use specialized testing, devices, and catheterization procedures, including catheter ablation. The EP will lead your AFib care and may prescribe medication and lifestyle changes, in addition to performing any necessary procedures.

Cardiologist

If you aren’t already working with a cardiologist, we can provide one. Cardiologists focus on overall heart health, often providing the initial AFib diagnosis. They are an essential partner in the maintenance and monitoring of heart care. 

Sleep Specialist

Half of patients with AFib also have sleep apnea. This specialist will help manage sleep apnea if present.  If left untreated over time, sleep apnea can lead to the onset of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes that predispose a person to AFib. In fact, patients with sleep apnea have four times the risk of developing AFib. Our sleep specialist will help manage sleep apnea if present.

Weight Management Specialist

Because obesity is a well-established risk factor for AFib, if you are experiencing (or are at risk for) obesity, we will discuss programs and services to help our patients manage their weight. Exercise and weight loss can improve outcomes for patients with established AFib.

Behavioral Health Specialist

Coping with a complex condition like AFib can take a toll on your mental health. Our behavioral health team helps AFib patients focus on the connection between a patient's psychological and physical health.

Clinical Pharmacist

Patients with AFib may receive long-term oral anticoagulation medication to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke, as well as antiarrhythmic medication to prevent and treat their abnormal heartbeats. Our pharmacist can both prescribe and explain these medications to you.

People with AFib have a risk of stroke five times higher than patients without AFib. AFib can reduce the speed of blood flow in the top chambers of the heart (atria). Slow blood flow during AFib promotes blood clotting within the heart, which can then travel to the brain or other organs, blocking the flow of blood and resulting in stroke or tissue damage.

To reduce the risk of stroke, some patients with AFib should be treated with blood thinning medications or undergo procedures to reduce the stroke risk.

For patients with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to blood thinners, the implantable WATCHMAN FLX™ device may be effective.

Assess your AFib stroke risk

Recent studies have shown that patients with AFib may be at higher risk for developing dementia. We are still learning about this connection, but it appears that correcting AFib and restoring normal rhythm may help reduce the likelihood of developing dementia later in life.

For patients who continue to experience AFib following treatment, we offer hybrid or "convergent" therapies which integrate minimally invasive surgical epicardial ablation with endocardial catheter ablation. Cardiac surgeons work in tandem with an electrophysiologist to perform these procedures.

By teaming up, EP specialists and cardiac surgeons can reach more problem areas on the surface of the heart to help patients return to a better quality of life when they haven't responded to less invasive interventions.

AFib risk factors include:

• Obesity 
• Hypertension 
• Diabetes 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Sleep apnea 
• Alcohol use

Our approach teaches you about your disease process and available treatment options. In addition, it gives you access to specialists from multiple disciplines who will address and manage the risk factors that may have contributed to you developing atrial fibrillation.