Answer:

Catheter ablation is an effective way to restore normal rhythm in patients who failed treatment with one or more medications. A patient who has tried three medications may be a candidate for this procedure.

Answer:

The heart rate can increase after eating because the body is working to digest the food. However eating should not increase the heart rate to more than 100-110 beats per minute in the resting state. An increased heart rate without irregularity does not indicate atrial fibrillation.

Answer:

There are studies that showed that AF is hereditary in some patients. In others, it can be precipitated by hypertension, heart diseases, thyroid gland dysfunction and other conditions.

Answer:

If the symptoms are tolerated and the heart rate is controlled, regular physical activity can be maintained with atrial fibrillation. Currently anti-arrhythmic medications are used as a first one of therapy for this condition. If the medication does not control the arrhythmia, then catheter ablation can be considered.

Answer:

Some patients may have some ectopic beats after ablation. This does not mean that atrial fibrillation will reccur. If these are frequent, an ambulatory monitor may be helpful to allow the detection of atrial fibrillation if present.

Answer:

Atrial fibrillation is generally not a life threatening disease. Medications can be used to control the heart rate, restore the normal rhythm, and prevent the risk of stroke associated with this condition. There are also non-medical treatments available, such as catheter ablation.

Answer:

The two studies you mentioned were randomized clinical trials comparing medical treatment versus ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The use of Amiodarone was allowed in the medical treatment arm. Amiodarone however carries some risk of adverse effects, such as pulmonary fibrosis, liver toxicity,thyroid gland dysfunction and others. According to the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, Amiodarone is not recommended as a first line of therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and structurally normal heart. As a result many patients and physicians are reluctant to use this medication in young patients.

Answer:

The heart rate during atrial fibrillation is erratic and variable. It varies not only from patient to patient, but also in the same patient. The heart rate depends on many factors mainly the activity and stress levels.

Answer:

There are many drugs that can be used in patients with atrial fibrillation. These include among others, Flecainide, Sotalol, Dofetilide, Disopyramide, and Amiodarone. Not all these medications can be used in all patients. There are cardiac and non-cardiac conditions that can limit their use in some patients.