About Atrial Fibrillation
Key Highlights
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Reduces the risk of life-threatening strokes caused by blood clots.Helps control debilitating symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath.Improves overall heart function and can prevent or slow the progression of heart failure.Offers a range of treatment options from medication to advanced procedures like ablation.Managed by a specialist (cardiologist) for personalized, evidence-based care.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation diagnosed via ECG.
- Symptomatic AFib causing palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fatigue.
- Failed response to initial medication therapy for rate or rhythm control.
- High risk of stroke (assessed by CHA2DS2-VASc score) requiring anticoagulation.
- Presence of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (heart weakness due to fast heart rate).
- Patient preference for a rhythm-control strategy over lifelong medication.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including ECG, echocardiogram, and blood tests.
- Discussion of all treatment options (medications, cardioversion, ablation) with the cardiologist.
- For procedures like ablation or cardioversion: fasting for 6-8 hours prior.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (especially blood thinners) as directed.
- Informed consent process detailing benefits, risks, and alternatives.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure, as driving is not permitted.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or bruising at catheter insertion sites (for ablation).
- Blood clot formation leading to stroke or other embolic events.
- Damage to heart structures, blood vessels, or the esophagus (rare).
- Infection at the procedure site or within the heart.
- Recurrence of atrial fibrillation or development of other arrhythmias.
- Complications from anesthesia or sedation used during procedures.
- Side effects from long-term medications (e.g., bleeding risk from anticoagulants).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Post-procedure (e.g., after ablation): Several hours of monitored bed rest.
- Gradual resumption of light activities within a few days; avoid heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks.
- Strict adherence to prescribed medications, especially anticoagulants.
- Monitoring for signs of complications like excessive bleeding, fever, or irregular heartbeat.
- Follow-up appointments with the cardiologist for ECG monitoring and medication adjustment.
- Incorporation of heart-healthy lifestyle changes: managing blood pressure, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering atrial fibrillation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for atrial fibrillation in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform atrial fibrillation. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for atrial fibrillation compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Atrial Fibrillation in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing atrial fibrillation.
Sarah Johnson, a 72-year-old retired school...
Sarah Johnson, a 72-year-old retired school librarian, lived independently. She noticed increasing shortness of breath when gardening or climbing stairs, accompanied by a persistent, uncomfortable fluttering in her chest. She initially dismissed it as 'old age,' but a near-fainting spell prompted a visit to her doctor. An ECG confirmed persistent atrial fibrillation. Sarah was terrified of having a stroke, as her mother had suffered one. Her cardiologist, Dr. Rodriguez, explained that due to her symptoms and stroke risk, a cardioversion (an electrical shock to reset the heart rhythm) was the recommended first step. Sarah was deeply anxious the morning of the procedure, held her nurse's hand tightly, and was relieved when the general anesthesia took effect. She woke up feeling groggy but with a steady, normal pulse. The recovery was straightforward, and she was home the same day. Coupled with new medication, the procedure successfully restored her rhythm. Emotionally, she moved from a state of fear and vulnerability to one of security and empowerment. She felt a weight lifted, no longer living in dread of a stroke, and regained the confidence to enjoy her beloved garden.
Cardiologists for Atrial Fibrillation
Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform atrial fibrillation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 55 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala