Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm encountered in the aging population.
WHAT IS Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
During AFib episodes, the heart's upper chambers no longer beat in a coordinated manner. Unmanaged AFib can lead to irregular and racing heartbeats and blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart failure, and even death.
Symptoms of AFib
Some of the most common symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation include:
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular pulse that feels too rapid or slow
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Trouble breathing or fatigue (often the most common)
- A sensation of tightness in the chest
As we age, our risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases. However, other factors can contribute to this condition, such as:
- High Blood Pressure
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Family History of Atrial Fibrillation
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Failure
- Mitral Valve Disorders
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Pericarditis/ Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart
- Hyperthyroidism/ Overactive Thyroid
At UI Health, we offer a full range of tests to diagnose AFib and provide state-of-the-art treatments to manage the heart rhythm disorder.
AFib Clinic
The AFib Clinic at UI Health was established in 2015 to provide a unique team approach to treating patients with atrial fibrillation. The AFib Clinic brings together cardiologist providers and cardiac researchers to better understand the causes of AFib and apply state-of-the-art therapies, including genetics assessments, to identify and tailor therapies for patients at risk for AFib.
At UI Health, AFib treatments offered include catheter-based ablation, the use of new pacemaker technologies, screening for genetic causes for AFib, access to new AFib treatments and trials, and anticoagulation medications. We also offer a dedicated clinic for patients on blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), which helps reduce the risk of stroke in AFib patients.
Request an Appointment
To contact the AFib Clinic, please call 312.996.6480.
Drs. Darbar and McCauley also see patients with inherited arrhythmias in the Familial Heart Disease Clinic. To contact the Familial Heart Disease Clinic, please call 312.996.6480.
