• What is the cause of AF? Many times only aging of the heart, with associated changes in heart structure. Other causes include coronary artery disease hypertension diabetes thyroid dysfunction



• Do I need a pacemaker? No. Pacemaker won’t treat or correct Atrial Fibrillation.

• Why do I still have palpitations if I’m taking my meds? . It’s very difficult to cure A Fib. Breakthroughs of symptoms are not dangerous and do not require different treatment, unless heart is getting weaker on an echocardiogramon or symptoms are long, interfering with lifestyle. Two- three episodes a year are acceptable.

• When do I need to go to emergency room or call my doctor? Break through palpitations with fast heart rate are common and do not require emergency room visit or change in medication. You need to get medical attention if palpitations are associated with dizziness chest pain fainting sensation.



• Why do I need to take blood thinners if I didn’t have fibrillation for a few months?. A Fib is intermittent, or asymptomatic. By nature, it’s recurrent, carrying the risk of stroke. No symptoms does not mean you don’t have it.

• My doctor told me to take only aspirin. Stroke is not prevented by aspirin.

• I had ablation. Why do I still have AFib, and why the need for blood thinners?. In 30% patients, ablation is not successful. Blood thinners are necessary if you have other risk factors that may trigger A Fib recurrence. ( heart failure, previous heart attacks, open heart, valve disease).

• I heard on TV only bad things about blood thinners. It’s always your choice about blood thinners. There is a risk of bleeding with them, but a much higher risk of stroke without them.

• Which one is better coumadin or the new blood thinners?. In short, the efficiency is almost the same, and dangerous  bleeding risk a little higher with coumadin, despite common beliefs. The new ones are more expensive , but more convenient to take.