Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults - and the leading cardiac cause of stroke. At MVM, we diagnose AFib quickly, protect patients from stroke, and build a rhythm-control plan that fits your life.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). Instead of contracting in a coordinated way, the atria quiver - which causes the lower chambers to beat irregularly and sometimes too fast.
AFib can be paroxysmal (comes and goes on its own), persistent (lasts more than 7 days), or long-standing. Some patients feel every episode; others have no symptoms at all and discover AFib incidentally on a routine EKG or smartwatch.
The biggest concern with AFib isn't the rhythm itself - it's that blood can pool in the quivering atria and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it causes a stroke. Treating AFib well means controlling the rhythm or rate and, just as importantly, protecting against stroke.
How MVM treats AFib.
Patients and referring physicians choose MVM for atrial fibrillation because we move quickly on stroke risk and don't leave patients in chronic uncertainty about their rhythm.
- Same-week consults. New AFib patients are typically seen within 5 business days. New diagnoses with high stroke risk are prioritized for same-day or next-day evaluation.
- In-office EKG and echocardiogram. Rhythm confirmed and heart structure assessed at the first visit - most patients leave with a diagnosis and a plan.
- Stroke-risk stratification. CHA2DS2-VASc scoring on day one and a clear, shared decision about anticoagulation.
- Long-term monitoring options. Holter, event monitors, and patch monitors to confirm rhythm patterns and capture symptoms.
- Coordination for ablation when needed. If catheter ablation is the right call, we coordinate referral and manage shared follow-up.
- One specialist, full continuum. The doctor who diagnoses you also manages your medications and follow-up.
Schedule an AFib consultation.
Most patients are seen within a week. Bring any rhythm strips or monitor reports, your medication list, and a written summary of your symptoms.
Schedule a consultationSend us an AFib referral.
Same-week consults for stable AFib; rapid evaluation for new diagnoses or high stroke-risk patients. Closed-loop reporting back to your office within 48 hours.
Referral processCommon AFib symptoms.
Symptoms vary widely. Some patients feel every irregular beat; others discover AFib only on a routine EKG.
- Palpitations - a sense the heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Chest pressure or discomfort
- Episodes of fainting or near-fainting
- Weakness or feeling “off”
- No symptoms at all in many patients - silent AFib still carries stroke risk
Who is most at risk.
- Age - risk rises sharply after 65
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease or prior heart attack
- Heart failure or heart valve disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Thyroid disease, particularly hyperthyroidism
- Obesity and heavy alcohol use
- Family history of atrial fibrillation
How we diagnose AFib at MVM.
Most patients leave their first visit with a clear diagnosis - and a plan.
- Focused history and exam - including review of any wearable-device alerts
- EKG - performed in our office at the first visit
- Holter monitor - 24–48 hour continuous rhythm recording
- Event monitor or patch monitor - for longer-term rhythm capture (up to 30 days)
- Echocardiogram - to assess heart structure, valves, and atrial size
- Lab workup - thyroid function, electrolytes, and other contributing factors
Treatment options.
AFib treatment has two goals that are managed in parallel: prevent stroke, and control the rhythm or rate to relieve symptoms.
Stroke prevention
For most patients with AFib and meaningful stroke risk, anticoagulation is the single most important intervention. We use modern direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) when appropriate and review the decision with you using validated risk scores. For patients who can't tolerate long-term blood thinners, we discuss left atrial appendage closure with a coordinating electrophysiologist.
Rate and rhythm control
Depending on your symptoms, age, and AFib pattern, we choose between:
- Rate control - beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to keep the heart rate in a comfortable range
- Rhythm control - antiarrhythmic medications or cardioversion to restore normal rhythm
- Catheter ablation - a minimally invasive procedure that electrically isolates the triggers; we coordinate referral and shared follow-up
Lifestyle and ongoing care
Treating sleep apnea, managing blood pressure and weight, and limiting alcohol all reduce AFib burden. Once you're stable, we typically see you every 3–6 months and reassess rhythm with periodic monitoring.
When to see a cardiologist.
- New diagnosis of AFib or any irregular heart rhythm
- Palpitations that come on suddenly and won't settle
- A smartwatch or home device showing possible AFib episodes
- Existing AFib with worsening symptoms or breakthrough episodes
- A question about whether you should be on a blood thinner
If you have weakness, numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, or a severe headache - call 911 immediately. These can be signs of a stroke, which is the most serious complication of AFib.
AFib FAQs.
Do I need to be on a blood thinner?
Most patients with AFib and additional stroke risk factors benefit from long-term anticoagulation. The decision is based on a validated risk score (CHA2DS2-VASc) and your individual bleeding risk. We walk through this with you at the first visit.
Can AFib be cured?
For many patients, AFib is a chronic condition that's managed long-term. For some - particularly younger patients with paroxysmal AFib - catheter ablation can substantially reduce or eliminate episodes. We talk through whether ablation is right for you.
My smartwatch flagged AFib. What should I do?
Bring the alert and any rhythm strip the device captured to a cardiology visit. Smartwatches are increasingly accurate but need confirmation with a medical-grade EKG. We're happy to evaluate any device-flagged finding.
What's the difference between AFib and a normal palpitation?
Occasional extra beats are very common and usually benign. AFib is sustained, irregular activity in the upper chambers that an EKG or monitor can confirm. If you're feeling palpitations and aren't sure, we can sort it out with a short monitoring period.
How often will I need follow-up?
Most stable AFib patients are seen every 3–6 months. After a procedure or medication change, follow-up is more frequent at first. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician.
Schedule an AFib consultation.
Most new patients are seen within a week. Bring any rhythm strips or monitor reports, the medication list, and a written summary of your symptoms - we'll do the rest.