An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm in the United States. It originates in the atria, the heart's two upper chambers, and increases the risk of a stroke. In patients with atrial fibrillation, the electrical signal that normally causes the heart’s atria to contract in an orderly fashion circles through the heart muscle in an uncoordinated manner, causing the upper chambers of the heart to quiver rapidly. Initially, medications may be used to treat atrial fibrillation, however some patients will be candidates for surgery, and your cardiologist and surgeon will discuss treatment options with you.
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
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Cardiac Surgery
Our cardiac surgery team works with all of your providers, as well as you and your family, to treat heart issues that require surgical treatment.
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Cardiovascular Center
Our expert, multidisciplinary team offers a wide range of services to both treat and prevent cardiac diseases and conditions. From stents to smoking cessation, we can help you kee…
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Arrhythmia Center
The Arrhythmia Center diagnoses and treats all types of abnormal or irregular heart rhythms.
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic
Boston Medical Center’s heart specialists are experts at diagnosing and treating people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition that causes abnormally increased heart …