Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Quick Facts
- A health care professional can diagnose atrial fibrillation.
- They will take your medical history, do a physical exam and run tests.
- Making lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of stroke and blood clots.
Video: AFib treatment options and goals
Diagnosis and treatment goals
The treatment goals of atrial fibrillation, also called AF or AFib, start with a diagnosis. Your health care professional will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. They may also do an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test checks your heart’s electrical activity. Some people may need more tests, such as an electrophysiology study. Read about AFib treatment options.
Treatment and risk reduction
Not all or clots can be prevented, but there are ways to reduce the risks.
After being diagnosed with AFib, your goals may include:
- Getting your heart back to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
- Slowing down a fast heart rate (called rate control)
- Preventing blood clots
- Managing stroke risk factors
- Preventing more heart rhythm problems
- Preventing heart failure
Your health care professional may suggest lifestyle changes, including:
- Getting regular physical activity
- Eating a heart-healthy diet low in:
- Salt (sodium)
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats
- Cholesterol
- Managing high blood pressure
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Not smoking
- Controlling cholesterol
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
