5 questions to ask your doctor after an AFib diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), you may have left your cardiologist’s office with more questions than answers. According to Jonathan Sussman, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Atlantic Health, the right treatment approach is very personal and depends on your symptoms, heart rate, stroke risk, age and overall health.

“There isn't a single treatment plan that works for everyone who has AFib,” says Dr. Sussman. “That’s why it’s important that patients fully understand their own diagnosis, what they can do to reduce the frequency or severity of AFib episodes and their stroke risk, and how to manage the condition over time.”

Here are five important questions to ask your cardiologist at your next appointment.

1. What type of AFib do I have?

There are two types of AFib, and each behaves differently. Your cardiologist may explain that you have paroxysmal AFib, which comes and goes, or persistent AFib, which remains irregular until treatment helps restore normal rhythm.

Persistent AFib can carry a higher stroke risk because you stay in AFib more continuously. Treatment for persistent AFib is also more challenging than treating paroxysmal AFib.

2. What can I do to reduce my AFib episodes?

Lifestyle changes don’t make AFib disappear. But they can help reduce episode frequency and length. If you are dealing with high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, sleep apnea or insufficient sleep, learning to manage these conditions can make a real difference to AFib.

Alcohol and exercise are also worth a mention. Dr. Sussman notes that even modest amounts of alcohol consumption can contribute to AFib. And he sets the record straight on exercise, too.

“Regular exercise isn't something people with AFib need to avoid,” he says. “Walking, swimming, strength training may all be possible. But for some people, extreme endurance activities can trigger AFib.”

3. What is my risk of stroke, and would a blood thinner help?

Stroke prevention is one of the most important parts of managing AFib. That’s because an abnormal heart rhythm can cause blood to pool in the heart and increase blood clots and stroke risk.

To evaluate your risk, your cardiologist will consider your age, overall health and amount of time you spend in AFib. If your stroke risk is high enough, an anticoagulant, which is a blood thinner, may be recommended.

4. What’s the best way to monitor my AFib?

You may not know when you're in AFib. Some people feel an irregular heartbeat; others have no noticeable symptoms.

Your cardiologist may recommend a pulse meter or wearable device. Some smartwatches monitor for signs of AFib or record a short ECG (electrocardiogram), which is a quick test to record the electrical activity of your heart. Others can even record an ECG at a particular moment.

“These tools shouldn't replace medical care, but they can provide useful information about how frequently AFib is occurring,” says Dr. Sussman.

5. What is the goal of treatment, and how will I know it’s working?

Depending on the symptoms, your cardiologist may recommend a medication or procedure to keep AFib from advancing or affecting your quality of life.

“AFib becomes more common with age, and our goal is to help patients feel better, reduce their risk of complications and maintain a normal heart rhythm, whenever possible,” says Dr. Sussman. “If one approach isn't working or AFib is becoming more frequent, there are always other options we can consider.”