Overview
Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm disorder, affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles), leading to a fast and irregular heartbeat. While not always life-threatening, AFib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. In Korea, advanced cardiac care and minimally invasive procedures have made diagnosis and treatment highly effective.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia—an irregular heartbeat—where electrical signals in the heart become disorganized, causing the atria to quiver instead of beating effectively. This disrupts normal blood flow and can result in blood clots, stroke, or heart failure if untreated.
There are different types of AFib:
- Paroxysmal AFib: Occurs occasionally and stops on its own
- Persistent AFib: Lasts longer than 7 days or requires treatment to stop
- Permanent AFib: Continuous and cannot be restored to a normal rhythm
Symptoms
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fainting (in rare cases)
- Sometimes, no symptoms at all (silent AFib)
Causes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disorders
- Previous heart surgery or heart attack
- Thyroid disorders (especially hyperthyroidism)
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
- Chronic stress or stimulant drugs
- Aging—risk increases with age
Risk Factors
- Age over 60
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of AFib
- Heart failure or other heart diseases
- Chronic kidney disease
Complications
- Stroke: Due to formation of blood clots in the heart
- Heart failure: Inefficient heart function over time
- Cognitive decline or dementia from poor brain perfusion
- Increased mortality risk if left untreated
- Side effects from blood thinners used for treatment
Prevention
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet
- Exercise regularly under supervision
- Avoid tobacco and illicit drugs
- Regular health checkups, especially for elderly or high-risk individuals
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea is known for cutting-edge cardiac care, offering comprehensive treatment options for Atrial Fibrillation, ranging from medication to minimally invasive surgery. Hospitals like Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital, and Samsung Medical Center are equipped with advanced electrophysiology labs and internationally trained cardiologists.
1. Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Primary tool to detect irregular rhythms
- Holter Monitor: 24–48 hour portable ECG for continuous monitoring
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to assess heart structure and function
- Cardiac MRI/CT: For detailed visualization if ablation is considered
- Blood tests: To check thyroid, kidney function, and electrolytes
2. Medical Management
- Rate control medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin to slow the heart rate
- Rhythm control medications (antiarrhythmics): Amiodarone, flecainide, or sotalol
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran to prevent stroke
- Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs): Popular in Korea due to fewer side effects than warfarin
3. Non-Surgical Procedures
- Electrical Cardioversion: Brief electrical shock to reset heart rhythm
- Catheter Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure where abnormal heart tissue is destroyed using radiofrequency or cryoablation
- Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI): A common ablation technique in Korean cardiology centers
- Left Atrial Appendage Closure (e.g., WATCHMAN device): For patients who cannot take anticoagulants
4. Surgical Treatments (Less Common)
- Maze procedure: Surgical creation of scar tissue in the atria to block abnormal signals
- Hybrid AFib surgery: Combines catheter and surgical techniques in advanced cases
5. Lifestyle & Long-Term Care
- Regular follow-up with cardiologists
- Remote monitoring through wearable ECG devices
- Patient education programs in Korean hospitals on diet, medication adherence, and stroke prevention
- Holistic wellness centers to manage lifestyle diseases contributing to AFib
