Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) a common heart rhythm disorder that affects millions worldwide. Emirates Hospital Jumeirah is a leading center for Atrial Fibrillation treatment in the UAE having become the first private UAE hospital to introduce advance pulse field ablation technology for safer, faster treatment plans.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat irregularly and rapidly. This disrupts the normal electrical signals that control the heart’s rhythm, leading to a chaotic pattern of contractions.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

Several factors can contribute to atrial fibrillation including:

• Age: The risk of AF increases with age.
• High blood pressure/Hypertension
• Heart disease: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valve problems can increase the risk.
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can increase risk
• Genetics: A family history of AF can increase risk

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

While some individuals with Atrial Fibrillation may experience no symptoms, others may notice:

• Palpitations: A feeling of a racing or fluttering heart.
• Fatigue: Weakness or tiredness.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain

In some cases, AF can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

At Emirate Hospitals our experts will diagnose atrial fibrillation through a combination of methods:

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording the heart’s electrical activity.
• Holter monitor: A portable device that continuously records the heart’s rhythm over a 24-hour period.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options in Dubai

At Emirates Hospitals we’ll customize the most suitable treatment for AF on your individual factors, including the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause and your overall health. Treatment options include:

• Medication: Antiarrhythmic drugs can help regulate the heart’s rhythm. Blood thinners are often prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke.
• Cardioversion: This procedure uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm. It can be performed as a shock or over a period of time (rhythm control).
• Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat, cold or pulse field energy to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. Emirates Hospitals Group offers the latest state-of-the-art PFA (Pulse Field Ablation) technique for quicker, safer procedure with less risk of complication
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): A device implanted in the chest to deliver shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm in case of severe AF or other heart rhythm disorders.

Dubai’s hospitals are equipped with advanced technology such as PFA technology, and experienced specialists to provide personalized AF treatment plans.