Atrial fibrillation
Treatment of AF includes medications to slow the heart rate to a near-normal range (known as rate control) or to convert the rhythm (beating pattern) to normal sinus rhythm (known as rhythm control). A treatment called electrical cardioversion can convert AF to normal heart beats and is often necessary for emergency use. A form of surgery called cardiac ablation (burning away part of the heart) may be done to treat AF. A healthy lifestyle may also be prescribed by health-care professionals. For those at low risk of stroke, AF does not always require blood-thinning though some healthcare providers may prescribe aspirin or other anti-clotting medication. For those at medium or high risk doctors will generally recommend an anti-clotting medication such as warfarin and other oral anticoagulants. Most people are at a higher risk of getting stroke and while these medications reduce stroke risk, they increase rates of major bleeding.