The goal of treating atrial fibrillation (AFib) is to enhance patients' quality of life and extend their longevity. Dr. Nazeri and his team craft personalized plans encompassing the following components, with the aim of helping patients feel better, enjoy life, and prolong their life expectancy:
- Stroke Prevention: The primary focus is on stroke prevention. They achieve this by prescribing anticoagulant medications to mitigate the risk of blood clots, which can lead to strokes.
- Rate Control: Rapid heart rates can exacerbate AFib symptoms and their adverse effects. Therefore, controlling heart rate is essential. Medications such as beta-blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol, bisoprolol) or calcium channel blockers like cardizem are employed to achieve an optimal heart rate. In some case the patient would need to have a pacemaker. The target for rate control is maintaining the heart rate within a specific range to minimize symptoms.
- Rhythm Control: Restoration of a normal heart rhythm is pursued through chemical or electric cardioversion (shock) and the use of specialized medications known as antiarrhythmics, catheter ablation or surgery.
- Lifestyle and Risk Factor Modification: Dr. Nazeri's team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address lifestyle factors, triggers, and causes contributing to AFib. This comprehensive approach reduces the risk of developing or experiencing recurrent AFib, underscoring the importance of lifestyle modifications within the overall treatment plan.