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Heart Rhythm

Atrial Fibrillation

One of the common types of irregular heart rhythms includes Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial Fibrillation occurs when the electrical signals in your heart become irregular and sometimes too fast. This causes the upper chambers of your heart (called Atria) to quiver (or fibrillate) and the signal is not always sent to the lower chambers of your heart (called Ventricles). Your heart beats and pumps blood irregularly which can make you feel unwell. Learn more about Atrial Fibrillation:

View this diagram illustrating atrial fibrillation

Heart rhythm tests

There are many tests that may be used to help diagnose and monitor heart rhythm conditions. What tests you need will be determined in discussion with your health care provider and based on your specific health condition.

Common tests you may have:

Heart rhythm treatment & procedures

There are many treatments and procedures that may be used to treat and manage heart conditions. What treatments or procedures you need will be determined in discussion with your health care provider and based on your specific health condition. Some treatments or procedures that you may have are listed below.

Heart rhythm medications

The first step in treating and managing abnormal heart rhythms might be medications to help slow down a heart beat that is too fast or to make an irregular rhythm more regular. As well, medications might be prescribed to reduce your risk of stroke. Some information on common medications that are used:

Procedures

Heart rhythm clinics

There are many clinics that you might go to for assessment and monitoring of heart conditions. Discussion with your health care provider will help determine which clinics you may need based on your specific health condition.

Learn more about the Heart Rhythm Clinic

New Patient Information Form

Heart rhythm resources

Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter (Patient Information Booklet)

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Additional Cardiac Services BC Videos

Additional Web Resources

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