Published Articles - Treatments
Published Articles - Treatments
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Treatments for Afib & Flutter - Medications & Catheter Ablation
Treatments for Afib & Flutter - Medications & Catheter Ablation
By Jiabao Wang
Published 4/6/2024
Illustrated by Ruishan Liu
"A catheter is inserted into the heart to destroy specific areas in order to restore proper heart rhythms"
As mentioned in the article “Supraventricular Tachycardia - Atrial Flutter and Fibrillation”, atrial fibrillation (Afib) and flutter (AFL) are common disorders that negatively impact the lives of hundreds of millions worldwide. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are around 200,000 cases of AFL and 500,000 cases of Afib annually. Fortunately, these two conditions can both be treatable. In this editorial, we will delve further into the various treatments used to combat Afib and AFL. Even if you or your family and friends are not currently affected by these conditions, it is still valuable to be familiar with the different methods of treatment as this preparation ensures you are equipped to support a loved one when they face these challenges.
A variety of treatment options exist today for AFib and AFL, but this article will focus on two main forms of treatment - medications and catheter ablation. The medications used to treat AFib and AFL fall into categories such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiarrhythmics. Both contribute in their own ways, with anticoagulants reducing or preventing blood clots to minimize the risk of stroke and the latter restoring the heart's rhythm to a normal state. Additionally, beta blockers are another frequently prescribed medication, and their primary function is to lower blood pressure by causing the heart to beat slower. It is crucial to consult one’s cardiologist to determine the most suitable medication based on the individual’s preference and past medical history.
Conversely, a more invasive treatment option is catheter ablation, which involves directly utilizing electric signals to treat irregular heartbeats, otherwise known as arrhythmias. Specifically, the procedures of catheter ablation involve inserting a long, thin catheter into a vein in the groin as the doctor guides the catheter to the heart’s upper chambers using imaging techniques. Afterward, doctors will use the electrodes, which are located on the tip of the catheter, to deliver energy to specific areas of the heart’s tissue, creating small scars. The purpose of the scars is to disrupt signals that cause abnormal electrical pathways within specific areas of the heart to restore the organ’s proper rhythm. As an invasive medical procedure, this treatment option is typically used for cases of Afib and AFL that are not well controlled by medications or for individuals who experience persistent symptoms despite medication therapy. However, this type of therapy is extremely effective, resolving flutter with a 90% success rate and fibrillation with an average of 75% success rate.
In conclusion, two primary methods of treatment for Afib and AFL are the use of medications and undergoing catheter ablation. It is always beneficial to become more familiar with these conditions and explore the various treatment options, as anyone can develop them at any time. Atrial fibrillation and flutter significantly affect the lives of millions, so the knowledge of these diseases and ways to combat them is paramount to living a life of optimal wellness.
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