The 20 Best Atrial Fibrillation Doctors Near Me in Pittsburgh, PA

Atrial fibrillation (AF), also known as A-fib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrythmia) of the heart’s upper chambers (atria) which can lead to strokes, heart failure, blood clots in the heart and/or blockage of blood flow (ischemia) in the heart or other organs. Atrial fibrillation is frequently combined with a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) receive abnormal electrical signals from the heart’s conduction system that causes the atria to quiver. Atrial fibrillation is categorized by the following four main types: Occasional (Paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation – This type of atrial fibrillation comes and goes, can last from minutes to hours, or even last as long as a week, or occur repeatedly, and may go away on its own. Persistent atrial fibrillation – In this type of atrial fibrillation, the irregular heart rhythm (arrythmia) doesn’t go away on its own and needs treatment to restore normal rhythm. Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation – This type of atrial fibrillation occurs continuously, lasting longer than 12 months. Permanent atrial fibrillation – In this type of atrial fibrillation, the irregular heart rhythm cannot be restored to normal, in which case it becomes permanent, requiring heart medications and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. Atrial fibrillation that occurs in individuals who do not have any heart defects or damage is called lone atrial fibrillation.