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](/node/144873) with you.



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Cardiac Surgery](/departments/cardiovascular-center/cardiac-surgery) 

 The cardiac surgery program within the Cardiovascular Center provides diagnosis and surgical treatment for heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, valve disorders, and s… 

 

 

  department###  [Cardiovascular Center](/departments/cardiovascular-center) 

 A department providing cardiology care for heart and vascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, and vascular disease, wit… 

 

 

  department###  [Arrhythmia Center](/departments/cardiovascular-center/arrhythmia-center) 

 A center within the Cardiovascular Center providing diagnosis and treatment for cardiac arrhythmias, including evaluation, monitoring, and procedures to manage abnormal heart rhyt… 

 

 

  department###  [Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic](/departments/cardiovascular-center/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-clinic) 

 A clinic within the Cardiovascular Center providing diagnosis and treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, including specialized evaluation and management for cardiac arrhythmia…