Electrophysiology & Ablation
AV Node Ablation & Pacing
In some hearts, an abnormal heart rhythm develops when an electrical impulse either starts from a different location, other than the SA node, or follows a route (or pathway) that is not normally present. This is what happens in atrial fibrillation.
How does Atrial Fibrillation occur?
In some hearts, an abnormal heart rhythm develops when an electrical impulse either starts from a different location, other than the SA node, or follows a route (or pathway) that is not normally present. This is what happens in atrial fibrillation. Multiple electrical short circuits develop in the upper heart chambers.
Atrial Fibrillation is due to multiple short circuits in the upper chambers of your heart termed the left and right atria. 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 a stroke. The reason you are taking warfarin is to thin the blood and prevent strokes.
If you were not taking warfarin, your 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.