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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Atrial Fibrillation Clinic

Many people with atrial fibrillation lead normal lives every day. But when you feel like your life is skipping a beat because of AFib, it's time to seek out expert care from Greater Cincinnati's Heart HospitalSM.

The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute is the most experienced cardiac rhythm team in the Tristate for arrhythmias like AFib. And we now make getting that care even easier to access with The Christ Hospital Atrial Fibrillation Clinic.

If you have symptoms of AFib, it's important to get checked by a clinical cardiologist or electrophysiologist to get the initial treatment and follow-up care you need. That's because people with AFib are up to five times as likely to develop a dangerous blood clot that can lead to stroke.

Our cardiologists and electrophysiologists are on the leading edge of clinical research for next generation AFib treatments. In fact, many of the AFib treatments used across the nation today were pioneered at The Christ Hospital, giving patients access to newer therapies long before they were available anywhere else.

If you or your doctor are concerned about AFib, call The Christ Hospital Atrial Fibrillation Clinic at 513-648-RTHM (7846) to discuss a screening evaluation and follow-up care.

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) caused by electrical disturbances in the heart that trigger a fast and irregular heartbeat.

AFib makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. It can also cause blood to pool and clot inside the heart.

Learn more about AFIB from our expert, Dr. Chung, as he speaks about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for AFib.

Complications of atrial fibrillation

Getting screened for atrial fibrillation is important if you have symptoms or risk factors. While AFib may come and go, it can get worse over time if left untreated.

Long term, AFib increases your risk for:

  • Dangerous blood clots that can lead to stroke

  • Heart failure.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Symptoms of AFib can vary from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience symptoms frequently.

Common AFib symptoms include:

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Heart palpitations or fluttering

  • Dizziness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain.

Risk factors for atrial fibrillation

Since some patients may have moderate symptoms or no symptoms at all, risk factors are very important to consider when diagnosing and treating AFib.​

  • Age, with risk increasing after 65

  • Alcohol use

  • Congenital heart defects

  • Family history of AFib

  • Heart disease

  • Heart failure

  • High blood pressure

  • Obesity

  • Sleep apnea

  • Smoking

  • Valve disease.

Treating atrial fibrillation

AFib treatments focus on restoring a more regular heartbeat and preventing blood clots. Our experts at The Christ Hospital Atrial Fibrillation Clinic will create a care plan based on your condition, lifestyle, and preferences.

Treatment options may include:

  • Lifestyle changes like improving diet, exercise, and quitting smoking

  • Prescription medications

  • Device implants (pacemakers and ICDs)

  • Catheter ablation – a minimally-invasive approach to treat the source of electrical disturbances in the heart

  • Cardiac surgical ablation (Maze procedure)

  • Watchman – a device placed inside the heart to seal off the area where dangerous blood clots have the greatest risk of forming.

Schedule an appointment with The Christ Hospital AFib Clinic

The Christ Hospital Atrial Fibrillation Clinic is available in Mt. Auburn, Liberty Township and Montgomery.

Call 513-648-RTHM (7846) to schedule a consultation, a second opinion visit, or to refer a patient.