What Are the Treatments for Afib?

Lifestyle Changes

Eating right and exercising more may not be able to cure Afib. But, they can prevent or help limit health conditions—such as obesity or diabetes—that may cause Afib.¹⁰ They can also help you feel better overall.

Medications

Many medications are not usually able to stop the Afib. They often treat symptoms like fast heart rate. Or blood thinners are used to prevent clots that can cause strokes. Only a few medications may be used to try to halt the Afib.

Medications do not necessarily help people with Afib live longer.¹¹

Electrical Cardioversion

This same-day procedure restores a normal heart rhythm. Electrodes (small sticky patches) are attached to the outside of the chest. Wires connect the electrodes to a machine that delivers energy.

The procedure is often done by a type of cardiologist called an electrophysiologist. However, for many people Afib will return.

Stages of Afib and Common Treatments

Source: Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Endorsed by the European Association for Cardio- Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), Authors/Task Force Members, Camm, A.J., et al. (2010). Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation: the Task Force for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). European Heart Journal, 31(19):2369-429.
*Some catheters may have received an early persistent indication, defined as Afib less than 6 months, for use during catheter ablation

Ablation

Ablation, another common treatment for Afib, is described next.