in the top right of your browser window and click the 
at the top of the menu
in the top right of your browser window and click “Add Bookmark
You are about to leave the Get Smart about AFib website. By clicking to continue, you will be taken to a web site governed by their own Legal and Privacy Policies.
Get Smart About AFib®
Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
Know your options. Make an informed decision by learning about your treatment options and by talking to an AFib specialist (cardiac electrophysiologist).
Your heart can’t wait.
AFib Prevalence
How common is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart arrhythmia.
- 43 million people are impacted by AFib worldwide.
- 1 in 4 adults over 40 are at risk of AFib.
- If left untreated, AFib can lead to other conditions including heart failure, stroke and death.
What does AFib feel like?
Know the symptoms of AFib. Here’s what others with AFib are saying.
Michael
Retired US Navy Veteran
“I felt light-headed, got sweats really bad, felt my heart pounding… next thing I knew I was in an ambulance. I was scared, I was nervous, I didn’t know what was going on. That was an eye-opener—to be somewhere and not know how you got there.”
Jacqueline
Retired Data Analyst, Active Great Grandmother
“I woke up in the morning feeling really sick… My heart started beating really fast… it just felt like I was dying…. So I went and laid down and tried to meditate to get my heart rate back down, and when that wasn’t working I asked my husband to take me to the emergency room.”
Sam
Executive Chef, TV Host, Author
“I was on a flight, and all of the sudden I just felt really weird. My heart was racing. I got scared and nervous, and asked the flight attendant if there was a doctor on board… and when I landed I called my doctor and he told me to go straight to the emergency room, right away.”
Patients not paid for their testimonials. These symptoms are not exclusive. You may experience symptoms that are different from those described here. Contact your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room if you have, or experience a sudden onset, of these or other worrying symptoms.
AFib Community & Support
Don't face AFib alone.
If you or someone you love is affected by AFib, join our Facebook community to share your experiences, ask questions, and get support from others like you.
AFib Treatment Options
How is AFib treated?
Everyone’s AFib experience is unique.
Medications
Most people with AFib are first put on medications to restore their heart rhythm, manage the symptoms of AFib, and minimize their risk of stroke. Medications may cause unwanted side effects and may not work for everyone.
~50% of patients do not respond to or cannot tolerate medications.1
Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a controlled low-dose electric shock your doctor delivers to your heart to restore its natural rhythm. Your electrophysiologist may suggest this as an additional treatment to combine with your medications. Cardioversion is usually not a permanent fix.
Cardiac Catheter Ablation
Cardiac catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by heart rhythm specialists with benefits including improvement in quality of life, permanent symptom relief and elimination of the long-term risk of stroke and death normally associated with AFib.*
*Data is based on physician guidance documents and patient study <1000 patients treated with catheter ablation.
Find an AFib Specialist
Your heart can't wait
AFib becomes harder to treat as symptoms become more severe so it is important to diagnose and seek treatment early.
- AFib increases a person’s risk of stroke or heart failure by 5 times.
- 1 in 5 patients progress from paroxysmal, or occasional AFib to persistent AFib in 1 year.2
Cardiac Catheter Ablation
Ready to take the next step in treating your AFib?
If you're struggling with unwanted side effects from medication and cardioversion isn't for you, there's more you can do.
Take control of your health and get your life back with cardiac catheter ablation.
Embrace Support, Embrace Hope.
Join our Facebook community to connect with individuals who understand your journey with AFib. Share triumphs and challenges, discover compassion, and find the support you need to navigate AFib with confidence.
Empower Yourself. Make Informed Decisions.
Stay ahead of the curve by staying updated on the latest in AFib and electrophysiology. Subscribe today to equip yourself with the knowledge and resources that will empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
References & Disclaimers
1. Calkins H, Reynolds MR, Spector P, Sondhi M, Xu Y et al. (2009) Treatment of atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs or radiofrequency ablation: two systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2 (4): 349-361.
2. Schnabel R, Pecen L, Engler D, et al. (2018) Atrial fibrillation patterns are associated with arrhythmia progression and clinical outcomes. University of Birmingham doi 10.1136/heartjnl-2017-312569
The THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH® SF Catheter is indicated for the treatment of drug refractory recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and for drug refractory recurrent symptomatic persistent AF (continuous AF > 7 days but < 1 year), refractory or intolerant to atleast 1 Class I or III AAD, when used with the CARTO® 3 System.
As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only a cardiologist or electrophysiologist can determine whether ablation is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks including bleeding, swelling or bruising at the catheter insertion site, and infection. More serious complications are rare, which can include damage to the heart or blood vessels; blood clots (which may lead to stroke); heart attack, or death. These risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.
Important information: Prior to use, refer to the instructions for use supplied with this device for indications, contraindications, side effects, warnings and precautions.
Caution: US law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
This site is published by Biosense Webster, Inc. which is solely responsible for its contents.
This site is intended for residents of the United States.
Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
© Biosense Webster, Inc. 2023 | 250545-230608