Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

How does Atrial Fibrillation occur?

Atrial fibrillation is due to the development of electrical short circuits inside the top chambers of the heart.

Usually these short circuits begin in the top chamber on the left (left atrium). These rapid short circuits have several consequences:

The short circuits drive the pumping chambers very rapidly and erratically. This produces palpitations, shortness of breath, and tiredness. In some people it can also cause dizziness and chest pain. Occasionally, these may result in blackouts or heart failure.

The short circuits result in ineffective pumping of the upper chambers. This leads to slow blood flow in both of these upper chambers (the left and right atria). This can rarely cause blood clots and possibly stroke. The reason you are taking warfarin is to thin the blood to prevent a stroke. If you were not taking warfarin, the risk of stroke would be 5-8 fold greater than a person your age without atrial fibrillation.

This risk may be even greater if you have some form of heart disease. Warfarin is to date the most effective drug available for reducing your risk of stroke by 60-70%. It is important that your INR is maintained between 2 and 4. You will need to see your General Practitioner for regular blood tests to ensure that your warfarin is maintained within these limits.