Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Signs you might have AFib

 

• A fluttering, racing or pounding heartbeat

• Feeling tired or out of breath more easily than usual

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Chest discomfort

 

Some people have no symptoms at all. AFib is often found during a routine exam, or by a smartwatch alert.

 

Why it matters

 

When the upper chambers quiver instead of beating normally, blood can pool and form clots. That’s why AFib raises the risk of stroke. Over time, a fast, irregular rhythm can also weaken the heart. Treating AFib is mostly about lowering those two risks.

 

How we diagnose it

 

• EKG in our office, often at your first visit

• Holter or longer-term heart monitor to catch rhythms that come and go

• Echocardiogram to check the heart’s structure and pumping strength

• Blood work to look for causes such as thyroid problems

 

How we treat it

 

Your plan depends on your symptoms, your stroke risk and your other health conditions. It may include:

• Stroke prevention. We estimate your risk with a standard scoring system and discuss whether a blood thinner is right for you.

• Rate control. Medications that keep your heart from beating too fast.

• Rhythm control. Medications or procedures to restore a normal rhythm. When a procedure such as cardioversion or ablation makes sense, we coordinate it with specialists at our affiliated hospitals and continue your follow-up care here.

• Treating what drives AFib. High blood pressure, sleep apnea, alcohol and weight all play a role.

 

When to call 911

 

Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking.

 

AFib care at One Heart Health

 

EKG and heart monitoring are done in our Cliffside Park office. Follow-up visits can often be done by telehealth. English and Russian spoken. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare.

 

Common questions

 

Is AFib dangerous?

It isn’t usually an emergency by itself, but it needs care because of the stroke risk. With treatment, that risk can be lowered significantly.

 

Will I need a blood thinner forever?

Not everyone needs one. It depends on your personal stroke risk, which we review with you over time.

 

Can AFib go away?

Some episodes stop on their own, and some people stay in a normal rhythm for long periods with treatment. AFib usually needs ongoing monitoring either way.

 

 

Related: Echocardiogram · Chest pain · Stress testing

 

Medically reviewed by David Fridman, MD · September 29, 2026