Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Arrhythmias

When your heart is beating irregularly, it's hard to think about anything else. If the strange feeling continues, it’s important to act quickly. If you feel consistent fluttering or racing heart rates, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, don’t hesitate to come to AdventHealth. Our network offers some of the fastest diagnostic tests for atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias, so we can diagnose you quickly and get you the treatment you need.

Your cardiologist will work with you to assess any risk factors like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, and make a comprehensive plan to identify and treat the cause of your irregular heartbeat. Some of our diagnostic tests include:

• Blood Tests
• Catheter Mapping
• Echocardiograms
• Electrocardiograms (EKG)
• Longer-Term Heart Monitoring Devices Like Holter Monitors, Loop Recorders, or Event Recorders
• Physical Exams
• Stress Tests
• Tilt Tests

Whatever the reason for your irregular heartbeat, we'll help you feel more secure about your condition with information and answers. Arrhythmias can mean different things for your heartbeat: fast (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia), persistent or permanent, atrial or ventricular. Types of arrhythmias include:

• Atrial Flutter – a heart palpitation common in people with hypertension, cardiomyopathy, or coronary artery disease.
• Paroxysmal AFib – an unpredictable and periodic episode of AFib where the heart returns to a natural rhythm on its own.
• Permanent AFib – an irregular heartbeat rhythm that cannot be corrected with treatment.
• Persistent AFib – an episode that lasts longer than two days and is corrected with treatment.
• Ventricular Arrhythmias include heart disease-related blockages and slower, supraventricular tachycardia where the heart rate speeds up, and ventricular tachycardia where the lower chambers of the heart are out of sync.

Atrial fibrillation can cause stroke by pumping clots to the brain, so if you have concerns about your heart, take control. Act fast. And lean on us to help you heal. Learn more about Identifying And Treating Stroke.

Your heart is supposed to beat like a drum. Steady and sure. When you have an irregular heartbeat, share your concerns with us and let us take control. Though some flutters are normal, it’s important to diagnose and treat any persistent abnormal rhythms. With an experienced, whole-person approach, our network of cardiologists and cardiovascular experts is well-equipped to treat your arrhythmias and get your heart beating back to normal as quickly as possible. Some arrhythmia and AFib treatments include:

• Ablation
• Cardioversion
• Maze Procedure
• Medicines
• Pacemaker

You want to get back to your life as quickly as you can. Whenever possible, we’ll use minimally invasive procedures to leave fewer scars, lessen pain, and give you a quicker recovery time than a more-invasive surgery. We’re always working toward better, more innovative arrhythmia and AFib treatment options. For example, AdventHealth Orlando's Arrhythmia and Ablation Center is dedicated to caring for all heart irregularities and is one of the only facilities in Florida to use stereotaxis robotic ablation therapy, a new, gentle procedure that offers lower chances of risk and higher success rates.

Some arrhythmias or AFib conditions can’t be completely cured. But trust in us to monitor your heart, guide you to a heart-healthy lifestyle, and ensure the best care for a lifetime of wellness.