Is there a cure for atrial fibrillation?
0:20
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan advises that while there is no cure for atrial fibrillation, there are plenty of treatments, such as medications and ablation, that can treat the problem.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Video Transcript
We can treat atrial fibrillation using medications, but that simply suppresses the rhythm or prevents episodes. Ablation and radiofrequency ablation are techniques that we use to treat atrial fibrillation, which has a high success rate in a large proportion of patients depending on what type of AF you have.
What is atrial fibrillation?
0:47
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Learn how atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk, how it's assessed in clinic, and the treatment options available—from blood thinners to ablation.
Atrial Fibrillation
Everything you need to know about atrial fibrillation AF?
1:54
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Video Transcript
If you think you may have atrial fibrillation, also known as AF, here's everything you need to know. AF is a very common heart condition, which is essentially an irregular heart rhythm. It gets more common as we get older. And in the UK about 10% of patients over the age of 80, will have this heart rhythm abnormality.
However, we see patients from all age ranges. The number one most important thing with atrial fibrillation is getting the diagnosis, which can be done with a pulse check and ECG, and you may need other investigations in the hospital.
In terms of treatment, the single most important thing is reducing your risk of stroke. Having an irregular heart rhythm increases your risk of stroke, and the way we treat this is with blood thinners called anticoagulants. Nowadays, we may also use newer devices if you are not suitable to go onto blood thinners. What's important in AF? Well, we know now that lifestyle factors play a huge role in this.
So eating a healthy diet, exercising, looking after other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, making sure you're not drinking too much alcohol, all these things play a really important role in AF. And by reducing your chances of developing AF, you are reducing your chances of other heart problems, such as heart failure and dementia. So it's really important to try and prevent this. If you have been diagnosed with AF, we can treat this nowadays with medications to control the heart rate or rhythm, and also newer minimally invasive procedures, which carry a very good success rate known as ablation. So, if you've been diagnosed with AF, don't worry. It's a very common condition.
There's lots we can do to help you and treat the success rate.
When to seek specialist help for atrial fibrillation?
0:19
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Wondering when to seek a specialist’s help for atrial fibrillation? Dr. Syed Ahsan explains that anyone with this condition needs to seek medical treatment, even if they have no symptoms. Early intervention can prevent blood clots from forming.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Video Transcript
Anyone with atrial fibrillation should seek medical advice, even if they're having no symptoms. And the main reason is to assess your risk of stroke and see whether you need to be started on blood thinning medications to prevent blood clots from forming.
Is there a cure for atrial fibrillation?
0:20
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
We can manage atrial fibrillation with medications, which help control the rhythm or reduce episodes. However, for a more long-term solution, we use procedures like ablation and radiofrequency ablation. These techniques have a high success rate, especially depending on the type of atrial fibrillation a patient has.
How manageable is atrial fibrillation?
0:37
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Are you experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF) and concerned about what it means for your health? AF is totally manageable, but it is important that you keep taking your medications and contacting a healthcare provide if you're worried about anything. The key is to stay calm, as there are many effective strategies to address and treat atrial fibrillation. Dr. Syed Ahsan is a world-leading expert in heart rhythm disorders, treating many people like you with AF every day. Contact us today to book your consultation with him.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Video Transcript
If you are having an episode of atrial fibrillation, first thing to say is don't worry. It's not going to be life threatening, and almost always we can control this and manage this. The first thing to do is make sure you're taking your medications regularly. If you're worried about that, contact us and we can advise you further. It may be that we need to do some more tests or some more investigations to establish whether you are in AF, how fast it's going, and then we can advise you further on changing your medications or doing other treatments to get your heart back into a normal rhythm. But the key thing is not to panic.
Do I need general anaesthetic for my ablation?
0:41
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Video Transcript
During the ablation procedure, fine wires called catheters are passed from the vein in your leg called the femoral vein, which runs like a motorway straight into the heart. So we use this vein to access the heart. If you are having an atrial fibrillation ablation, we need to access the top left chamber of the heart, so the vein in the leg goes into the right chamber, and we make a tiny hole using a long needle, uh, so that we can pass the wires into the left chamber.
We then create a three dimensional computer, virtual geometry of the heart chamber, which allows us to see the heart in three dimensions, move it around, tilt it up so we know that we can deliver the treatment, to very specific areas and safely. During the catheter ablation, we also monitor your blood pressure, your breathing. We can see exactly how much force we're applying inside the hearts to make sure that we're not pressing too hard and the procedure can be done efficiently and safely. It's mostly done with a general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep and there will be an anaesthetist who will be controlling your breathing. We can do it with sedation and strong pain relief as well.
We also monitor your blood pressure, your breathing. We can see exactly how much force we're applying inside the hearts to make sure that we're not pressing too hard and the procedure can be done efficiently and safely. It's mostly done with a general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep and there will be an anaesthetist who will be controlling your breathing. We can do it with sedation and strong pain relief as well.
Occasionally you may also need to have a camera test called a transoesophageal echo at the start of the procedure to make sure that there are no blood clots in the heart. So with ablation, number one is your safety. That's paramount. So we take all the measures to make sure that you are safe. Uh, we can deliver the treatment safely and effectively. There'll be various staff members around in the theatre to make sure that you are doing well, and we can perform the procedure as we want. And after the procedure, you'll go back to the ward, maybe to a recovery bay and a normally discharge home the same day or maybe the following morning.
Can I refer myself for an atrial fibrillation consultation?
0:44
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Do I still need to take medication after an ablation procedure?
0:32
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Video Transcript
If you've had a successful ablation, we're always keen to try and take you off the medications. Now, you may need to stay on the medications that prevent strokes, but certainly the medications that are controlling your heart rhythm, we, and I'm sure you are keen to come off them, and that's often the way it happens. Occasionally, we may need to continue on some of those medications after your ablation, but we'll discuss that with you and we can have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
Atrial fibrillation and stroked animation video London Heart Clinic
0:54
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
0:25
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Who is at risk with atrial fibrillation?
0:17
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
I still have symptoms after an ablation procedure
0:35
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What are my options if I have atrial fibrillation but don’t want blood thinners?
0:38
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
How long do I need to wait for a diagnosis high?
0:22
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What are the risk factors for atrial fibrillation?
0:41
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What are my options if I’ve had atrial fibrillation for a long time?
1:04
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Do I need a general anesthetic for an ablation procedure?
0:17
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What does atrial fibrillation look like on an ECG?
0:43
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a 12-lead test that records your heart's electrical activity from different angles. It provides insight into how your heart is functioning electrically. When your heart is in a normal rhythm, the ECG will show a regular pattern.
In atrial fibrillation, however, the rhythm is chaotic, and the spikes representing heartbeats appear at irregular intervals. This causes the ECG to look uneven. Additionally, we don’t see the typical P waves, which are signals from the top chambers of the heart (the atria) during normal rhythm. In atrial fibrillation, this absence of P waves further indicates the irregularity.
Does a pacemaker control atrial fibrillation?
0:23
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What medications are there for atrial fibrillation?
1:00
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan lists some of the medications available for atrial flutter, including blood thinners and anti-coagulants, as well as rate control medications. The most effective treatment is a catheter ablation.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
What is the kardia heart monitoring device?
0:33
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
If you want to learn more about your heart rhythm, there are tools available to help you monitor it home. For example, the Kardia device is a home monitoring tool for heart rhythm that is available on smartphone or smartwatches. Dr. Syed Ahsan, a specialist expert in heart rhythm disorders, recommends it for accurate and non-invasive at-home heart rhythm monitoring. Recordings can be stored as PDFs and easily shared with your medical team to confirm your diagnosis.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
What is the convergent procedure and who is it for?
0:57
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr. Syed Ahsan, a Consultant Cardiologist, explains the convergent procedure, a novel approach to treat atrial fibrillation. It combines internal and external heart treatments in two separate procedures, which take place across a few weeks. Research has shown that you can have better outcomes in maintaining a regular heart rhythm with this combined approach. If standard catheter ablations have failed, or your heart is too large or has been in AF for a long time, the convergent procedure may be more suitable for you. Contact us today to book your appointment with Dr. Ahsan.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
My smart device says I have AF what should I do?
0:29
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
If your watch or phone alerts you about potential atrial fibrillation (AF), it's crucial to consult with a doctor or a specialist like Dr. Syed Ahsan, a specialist expert in heart rhythm disorders. Further tests and investigations may be necessary, as these modern devices are accurate in detecting AF. Take any alerts seriously and seek professional advice promptly.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
How can I monitor my AF after ablation?
0:31
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
After you've had an ablation procedure, you will still need to keep any eye on your atrial fibrillation (AF). Our expert Cardiologist, Dr. Syed Ahsan, may request you to use a smart device, like a phone or watch, to monitor your heart rhythm. This will help you stay informed and on top of your condition, and, if concerned, you can share the data with him to get a professional assessment. The devices are very accurate and will help you feel reassured about your AF.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
What are the treatments available for atrial fibrillation?
0:59
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan, Consultant Cardiologist explains the different types of treatments available for atrial fibrillation. These include catheter ablation and convergent ablation. There is another hybrid procedure called the conversion procedure which is currently being trialled.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
What can I do to help atrial fibrillation?
0:43
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
What can I do to help atrial fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
0:50
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan explains that atrial fibrillation can be easy to diagnose. Your pulse will be checked, and if it is irregular you will undergo an ECG or a longer period of monitoring.
Atrial Fibrillation
How can I prevent atrial fibrillation?
0:39
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan lists some of the ways to prevent atrial fibrillation by following a healthy lifestyle, drinking less, quitting smoking, and following a Mediterranean diet.
Atrial Fibrillation
What are the diagnostic tests for atrial fibrillation?
0:34
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan lists some of the diagnostic tests for atrial fibrillation, including an ECG, longer monitoring with a 24 hour to 1-week ECGs, or an echocardiogram.
Atrial Fibrillation
How does atrial fibrillation increase the risk of stroke?
0:31
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan explains that atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke because the irregular heartbeat allows blood to pool and clot in a sac near the heart. The clots can then travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation
What are the treatment options for atrial fibrillation?
0:42
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
In this video. Dr. Syed Ahsan, our Consultant Cardiologist, discusses atrial fibrillation (AF) management. Initially, blood thinners are prescribed to prevent stroke risk. Your medications are then tailored to either maintain a normal heart rhythm or control your heart rate. Catheter ablation, a modern minimally invasive procedure, corrects heart irregularities as a day case procedure. To understand which of these treatment options is most appropriate to your unique needs, contact us today.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
How long does atrial fibrillation take to diagnose?
0:22
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Typically, appointments are available promptly. In emergencies, we will try to see you within 24 to 48 hours, but for most patients, your appointment will be scheduled for a few days’ time. Dr. Syed Ahsan will ensure you can get any tests that are required organised very quickly, often on the same day. You'll get the results of these tests and any other follow-ups within a matter of days.
Atrial Fibrillation
Is atrial fibrillation genetic?
0:27
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan advises that atrial fibrillation can be genetic, and so he would ask you first for a detailed family history.
Atrial Fibrillation
What is the difference between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation?
0:41
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan, Consultant Cardiologist explains the differences between an atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Whereas an atrial flutter is a fast regular beating, atrial fibrillation is an irregular chaotic heart rhythm. Both conditions increase your risk of stroke and need to be taken seriously.
Atrial Fibrillation
Can I reduce my chances of developing AF?
0:47
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
There are many things that can increase your risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), including environmental factors, like smoking or drinking, or a family history. However, you can lower your risk. Dr. Syed Ahsan, a leading expert in heart rhythm disorders, advises maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake, and a balanced diet to reduce your chances of developing AF. Addressing conditions like high blood pressure and sleep apnoea further lowers your risk of developing AF, so speak to us today.
Atrial Fibrillation
What causes atrial fibrillation?
0:26
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Bart’s Heart Centre Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Syed Ahsan, explains that atrial fibrillation gets more common as we get older, and the risk of developing AF can be increased by hypertension, heart disease, and previous heart attacks.
Atrial Fibrillation
What are the triggers for atrial fibrillation?
0:49
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
If you have atrial fibrillation, it's important to understand your triggers and how to prevent episodes. In this video, Dr. Syed Ahsan describes some of the common triggers, including alcohol and stress, and who is more likely to trigger their AF. However, everyone's triggers are different, and you may have none at all. Visit our atrial fibrillation condition page to learn about the factors that increase your AF risk.
Atrial Fibrillation
What preventative measures are there atrial fibrillation?
0:23
Dr. Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr. Syed Ahsan, Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Rhythm Specialist, advises that the most important preventative measure for anyone with atrial fibrillation is to take blood thinners, and that new options are available.
Atrial Fibrillation
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
0:30
Dr Syed Ahsan
Video Description
Dr Syed Ahsan explains that atrial fibrillation is dangerous, as it can strokes and periods of long hospitalisation.
Atrial Fibrillation