What is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. When you are living with AFib, the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat are interrupted by chaotic signals, making the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) contract irregularly.
Working with a cardiologist and an electrophysiologist, you can manage AFib and protect your long-term health.
AFib symptoms
AFib doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, you might notice them only occasionally.
If you experience any of these symptoms, track how often they occur, what you are doing when they happen and whether symptoms change over time. This is important information to share with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of AFib include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations, which can feel like fluttering, pounding, a heartbeat that is too fast or too slow, or feeling like your heart missed a beat
- Low blood pressure
- Trouble breathing, especially when exercising or lying down
What causes AFib?
AFib develops due to inflammation of, stress on or damage to heart tissue, which often occurs due to other conditions. These include:
- Heart disease, such as cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Inflammation from myocarditis and pericarditis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Viral infections
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation
For some people, strenuous physical activity can lead to a higher risk of AFib. However, moderate exercise can help lower your risk and following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent some of the causes of AFib.
Many factors are linked to an increased risk of developing AFib. These include
- Advancing age
- Family history and genetics
- Having certain health conditions, [such as high blood pressure]
- Race, as AFib happens more commonly among Caucasian populations
- Surgery on your heart, lungs or esophagus
Lifestyle factors also play a big role in AFib risk, including:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Having high amounts of emotional stress
- Smoking
- Using illegal drugs
Complications
Blood clots are a serious complication of atrial fibrillation and can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases with age and is heightened by other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, and certain types of heart valve disease.
How is AFib diagnosed?
If you have AFib symptoms, your doctor will make a diagnosis based on a physical exam and testing.
In most cases, an electrocardiogram (EKG) will be done first. This noninvasive test records the electrical activity of your heart and shows your doctor whether your heart is beating irregularly.
Other tests, such as blood tests, chest X-rays and other tests, can help your doctor determine the cause of AFib and find the best course of treatment.
If you have risk factors for AFib, your doctor might recommend screening for the disease condition as part of your routine medical care.
If more information is needed to make a diagnosis, your doctor may also do other tests, such as:
- Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound that provides a detailed image of the heart’s structures. It can also detect blood clots and areas of the heart that are not functioning correctly.
- Event recorder: This portable device records your heart rhythm when you have symptoms and transmits the information back to your doctor.
- Holter monitor: Typically worn for 24- to 48-hour periods, this portable device continuously monitors the heart’s electrical activity.
AFib treatment
Lifestyle changes
Your healthcare provider may suggest several lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. These include regular physical activity and following a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. It’s also important to manage high blood pressure and limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Quitting smoking and controlling your alcohol intake along with cholesterol levels can further support your heart health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall well-being.
Medication
Healthcare providers commonly prescribe medications to prevent and treat blood clots that could lead to a stroke. They may also recommend additional medications to help control your heart rate and rhythm, often combined with other treatments.
Cardioversion therapy
If atrial fibrillation symptoms are affecting your day-to-day activities or it's a first episode, doctors may use cardioversion to reset the heart's rhythm.
There are two methods:
- Electrical cardioversion: This procedure brings your heart rhythm back to normal with low-energy electrical shocks.
- Chemical cardioversion: Medications are given through an IV or orally to restore the heart's rhythm.
Cardioversion is usually a scheduled hospital procedure but can be done in emergencies. Blood thinners may be required beforehand to reduce the risk of clots and stroke, and are essential for at least a month after the cardioversion. Afterward, ongoing medication may be needed to control the rhythm and prevent recurrence, though AFib can still return.
Ablation
If medications or other treatments don’t improve AFib, a minimally invasive procedure called catheter ablation may be needed. In some cases, ablation is used as the first line of treatment. Treatments may include:
- Convergent hybrid ablation: Performed by your cardiac surgeon and electrophysiologist, this procedure involves using radiofrequency (heat) to create scar tissue on the heart that blocks irregular electrical signals.
- Cryoablation: Similar to the procedure above, this procedure creates scar tissue that disrupts electrical signals. However, instead of using radiofrequency, cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures applied through specialized catheters.
- Cryoballoon ablation: This is a type of cryotherapy ablation often used to treat paroxysmal AFib, a type of AFib that comes and goes often within seven days. Cold temperatures are applied through a balloon that inflates once inside your body.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation uses a low voltage, high-frequency electrical energy to destroy tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.
Surgery
Surgical procedures for treating atrial fibrillation may include:
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion therapy: Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is a procedure that seals off the LAA to prevent blood clots from entering the bloodstream, reducing the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation without the need for blood thinners.
- Maze procedure: A surgeon applies energy through incisions to the outer surface of the heart to eliminate the conduction pathways of AFib.
- Pacemaker: Your cardiologist may recommend a pacemaker if your heart rate is too slow, typically when you have another arrhythmia in addition to AFib.
Find a location near you
You can find comprehensive, advanced diagnosis and treatment for AFib at a location that fits your needs. We have many convenient heart and vascular clinics, including specialized centers in North and Central Texas.

Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Amarillo
1901 Medi Park Dr Ste 2051, Amarillo, TX, 79106
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton
2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Clinic - Denton
3341 Unicorn Lake Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Flower Mound
4421 Long Prairie Rd Ste 200, Flower Mound, TX, 75028- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 340, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Advanced Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 340, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Keller
620 S Main St Ste 240, Keller, TX, 76248- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Grapevine
2020 W State Hwy 114 Ste 320, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Grapevine
2020 W State Hwy 114 Ste 200, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Las Colinas
400 W IH 635 Ste 210, Irving, TX, 75063
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Cardiothoracic Surgery - Irving
1110 Cottonwood Ln Ste 215, Irving, TX, 75038- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Irving
1110 Cottonwood Ln Ste 105, Irving, TX, 75038- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Heart and Wellness Center - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Bldg I, Ste 140, Irving, TX, 75061