Atrial Fibrillation Testing
Why test for AFib? Irregular heart rhythm, or AFib, is the most common arrhythmia affecting Americans. On its own, AFib isn’t life threatening, but it needs to be treated to help prevent strokes or heart failure.
Our doctors will perform minimally invasive tests that provide in-depth heart rhythm data. Some tests are completed quickly in our office, and some may require you to wear a heart monitor for a period of time.
The breadth of these tests provides your doctor with comprehensive heart activity data. The doctor will study your heartbeat patterns and heart images so an AFib treatment plan can be prescribed.
A great benefit you’ll enjoy with CVG is our ten locations. It can be stressful enough to have to visit the doctor. Since we offer locations near you for your AFib testing, you’ll have peace of mind that it’s easy to come see your doctor.
Once here, you’ll find that our Board-Certified physicians and heart team offer you the best combination of skill, experience, and technology to ensure your testing goes smoothly. Your doctors will get the information they need to understand your condition. At CVG, you can be assured that we provide all of the latest technology, so all causes of AFib will be explored to provide the best treatments for you. Then, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
If you’re already taking medication for AFib, the doctor will review that and see if it works well for you. If you are just beginning treatment, it will be explained and prescribed so you can start getting your AFib under control.
Please read on for more information. Please know that our doctors are dedicated to helping you understand AFib and how it affects you. We know you can be apprehensive about visiting the doctor and undergoing tests. Here at CVG, we don’t just diagnose and treat a condition. We listen to you and build a treatment plan around your needs, considering the whole person and your life right now and proactively for the future.
Atrial Fibrillation Testing: These Tests Help Guide Your AFib Treatment
Several methods are used to test for AFib, including electrocardiograms, heart monitors, and echocardiograms. These tests help your doctor plan your treatment.
You may be tested for AFib through an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to generate a moving picture of the heart, or an echocardiogram to help your doctor study your heart rate and rhythm. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of your heart, while heart monitors collect data on heart activity for longer periods than ECGs. Other tests for AFib, like echocardiograms, use sound waves to generate a moving picture of the heart.
What to Expect During your Visit
Small electrode pads are placed on the chest, shoulders, and arms during an electrocardiogram. The electrodes record heartbeat patterns and portray them on a strip of paper.
AFib testing may be conducted by wearing a heart monitor that records heartbeat patterns longer than ECGs. Heart monitors include either event monitors, worn for several weeks and recorded constantly or during episodes, or heart monitors, which can record for days and provide a constant recording of heart activity.
You may undergo other AFib tests, including an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a moving image of the heart, showing valves and chambers’ size, shape, and functionality. Other tests include transesophageal echocardiograms, which produce more detail than regular echo’s, blood tests, and nuclear imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atrial Fibrillation Testing, also known as cardiac ablation testing, is a procedure used to treat cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It is performed by guiding a thin tube to the heart, which uses energy to create tiny scars in the heart tissue. This is done to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm. The procedure typically takes two to four hours, and the patient is given medication to relax. Whether the patient is conscious during the procedure depends on the individual case.
Your doctor will begin by making small incisions in your groin area to insert thin, flexible tubes called catheters. These catheters are guided through your blood vessels to your heart using advanced imaging technology. Once in place, the catheters are used to map your heart’s electrical activity and identify the areas causing the irregular rhythm.
Next, your doctor will use one of two main ablation techniques:
- Radiofrequency ablation: This method uses heat energy to create tiny scars on the problematic areas of your heart tissue.
- Cryoablation: This technique uses extreme cold to achieve the same result.
These scars block the abnormal electrical signals causing your AFib, allowing your heart to return to a normal rhythm. The entire procedure typically takes between 3 and 6 hours.
As with any medical procedure, AFib ablation carries some risks. Our Atlanta heart doctors will thoroughly discuss these with you before the procedure. Some potential risks include:
- Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion sites
- Blood vessel damage
- Heart valve damage
- Stroke or heart attack (rare)
- Phrenic nerve injury, which can cause shortness of breath
- Pulmonary vein stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary veins)
- Esophageal injury (very rare)
It’s important to note that while these risks exist, they are generally low, and our experienced team takes every precaution to minimize them.
After your ablation procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where our medical team will closely monitor you. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight for observation, but you may be able to go home the same day, depending on your individual case.
In the days following your procedure:
- You may experience some chest discomfort, fatigue, or bruising at the catheter insertion sites. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days to a week.
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for about a week.
- You may be prescribed blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
- Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust medications if necessary.
It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s post-procedure instructions carefully to ensure optimal recovery and results.
AFib ablation has proven to be highly effective for many patients. However, it’s important to understand that some individuals may require a second procedure to achieve the best results. Our Atlanta heart doctors will work closely with you to monitor your progress and determine if additional treatments are needed.
Many patients experience significant improvement in their quality of life after ablation, with reduced AFib symptoms and a decreased need for medications. However, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management—is crucial for long-term success.
Our team of expert cardiologists in Atlanta is committed to providing you with the highest quality care. With state-of-the-art facilities across eleven convenient locations in the metro area, we ensure that top-notch cardiac care is always within your reach. Our doctors utilize the latest techniques and technologies in AFib ablation to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Remember, AFib ablation is a specialized procedure, and it’s normal to have questions or concerns. Our Atlanta heart doctors are here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to post-procedure care. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—we’re dedicated to ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your treatment plan.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s team of twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, extensive experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ profiles to explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to delivering quality care. Rest assured that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything possible to ensure you achieve the best quality of life.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or (678) 582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, do not contact us online; please call 911.