Atrial fibrillation, or AF for short, is a common heart problem that can impact one’s quality of life. People with atrial fibrillation (AF) often experience irregular heartbeats, fatigue, fainting and are at a higher risk of stroke.
One way to treat AF is cardioversion. This treatment helps your heart beat in a regular way, called sinus rhythm. But it’s important to keep your heart beating regularly after the procedure. This will help you stay healthy in the long run.
What is Cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a medical procedure that helps people with AF regain a normal heartbeat. It can be done with electricity or medicine.
When using electricity, doctors put pads on your chest and give you a controlled shock. This is usually done while you are asleep. It’s a quick procedure, often taking less than an hour. After the treatment, you will usually feel better soon.
The goal of cardioversion is to help your heart beat in a normal way so it can work better.
What Challenges Are Associated with Maintaining Sinus Rhythm?
Below, we have discussed the challenges that are associated with maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion:
Recurrence Rates
One of the biggest challenges is the high rate of AF coming back. Even after a successful cardioversion, many people find that their AF returns. Studies show that 20% and 30% of patients may not have a regular heartbeat for long without additional treatment. This means that it’s important to be prepared for this possibility and have a plan in place.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Recurrence
There are a few things that can make it more likely for AF to come back:
- How long you have had AF — If you have had AF for a long time, it may be more likely to return.
- Changes in your heart — If your heart has grown larger, especially the left side, this can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation coming back.
Knowing these factors can help you and your doctor create a treatment plan that works best for you.
What Strategies Can Be Used to Maintain Sinus Rhythm?
Here are some strategies that can be used to maintain sinus rhythm:
Medications
After your cardioversion, your doctor may give you antiarrhythmic drugs. These drugs help keep your heartbeat regular. And while these drugs can be helpful, they can also have side effects that your doctor will watch.
Lifestyle Modifications
Besides medicine, some lifestyle changes can also help you maintain a sinus rhythm. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation and keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise, like walking or swimming, can strengthen your heart and make you feel better.
It’s also important to avoid things that can trigger AF. This means drinking less alcohol and caffeine. You can also try stress management techniques like yoga or meditation to help you relax.
How Important is Monitoring and Follow-Up Care After Cardioversion?
It’s important to see your cardiologist regularly after your cardioversion. They will check your heartbeat with an ECG and other tests to see if your AF is back. This will help them adjust your medicine if needed and catch any problems early.
Learn to recognize the signs of AF. These can include feeling like your heart is racing or having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.
In a Nutshell
Keeping your heartbeat regular after cardioversion involves a few things, like taking your medicine as prescribed, making healthy lifestyle changes, and seeing your doctor regularly. By working closely with your doctor and making good choices, you can improve your chances of staying in sinus rhythm.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with AF and have questions about cardioversion or how to stay in sinus rhythm, please contact Memorial Cardiology Associates. We have offices in Memorial City, Katy West, and Greater Heights. You can reach us at (713) 464-6006, (281) 398-4944, or (713) 861-2424.