Home / Atrial Fibrillation Specialist NYC – AFib Doctor Manhattan, NY
Atrial fibrillation is a condition when the heart beats irregularly and the individual may either be asymptomatic or may feel palpitations or heart fluttering.Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke because of the development of a blood clot in the heart. This condition can be diagnosed by an electrocardiogram, a 24 hour Holter monitor and also by an echocardiogram.
Because many disorders can contribute to heart rhythm problems are relatively common, since many disorders can contribute to the condition. The most common heart issue is called atrial fibrillation or AF. Either due to a change in your heart’s tissue or a disruption in the electrical signals, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat occurs.
Although continual disruption can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions, most atrial fibrillation treatments produce great results. You can find an atrial fibrillation specialist at the Manhattan Heart Testing and Cardiology Center.
Symptoms That Lead to Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Your heart is divided into four chambers, two upper and two lower. When the upper two chambers do not beat in rhythm with the lower two chambers, blood cannot flow properly into the heart or throughout the body. Symptoms may include:
- Heart palpitations or a feeling of a racing heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Reduced ability to exercise normally
- Chest pain
- Hypotension or lowered blood pressure
- Confusion
Brilliant and thorough cardiologist. Very pleasant to deal with. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I would definitely say that Dr Reisman is the best Manhattan Cardiologist (I shopped around). ~ ZocDoc
Some individuals have AF but don’t have any symptoms. These people are often astonished when they learn of their diagnoses. However, even in the absence of external symptoms, atrial fibrillation is dangerous.
Causes and Risk Factors of AF
Several conditions and lifestyle choices increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The older you become, the more likely it is that you will have some kind of heart rhythm problem. Other risk factors include underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, a family history of AF, high stress, excessive alcohol consumption, or use of illegal drugs. Caucasians appear to be at greater risk than other races and ethnicities.
Aside from heart disease, numerous underlying conditions might contribute to heart rhythm problems. Your atrial fibrillation specialist, such as Dr. Reisman of New York Cardiology, may recommend testing, monitoring, and treatment if you have:
- A history of heart attacks
- Abnormal heart valves
- An overactive thyroid gland
- Lung disease
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Previous heart surgery
- Stress due to illness or surgery
- Viral infections
- Sleep apnea
- Exposure to excessive amounts of stimulants, such as tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and even some medications
If any of these conditions are discovered after testing, you may require treatment. To provide the most effective outcome, successful atrial fibrillation treatment must address any underlying conditions as well as the AF symptoms you’re experiencing.
Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
Your atrial fibrillation specialist will perform a series of effective tests to assess your AF, rule out any underlying causes, and establish which stage you are in. Atrial fibrillation progresses through four distinct stages, which determine the type of treatment required:
- Occasional or parosysmal. Your symptoms may come and go, or you may not feel any at all.
- You experience your symptoms most of the time. You may require electrical shock treatments or medications to return your heart to its normal rhythm.
- Long-standing persistent. If your persistent symptoms continue for longer than twelve months, your condition is considered long-standing. You need to seek treatment by this stage.
- Your atrial fibrillation specialist determines that your symptoms will be ongoing and incurable due to damage or other underlying conditions. Your only option is to maintain the symptoms under control with medication and monitoring.
Dr. Reisman, best cardiologist in Manhattan may order a series of tests to determine your heart rhythm problems’ extent and underlying cause. Electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, stress tests, echocardiograms, blood tests, event recorders, and chest x-rays all provide your atrial fibrillation specialist with the clearest picture of your heart’s condition, surrounding tissue, and how well everything works together.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options in NYC
The goal of treatment is to reset your heartbeat and keep it in a normal, smooth rhythm. Electrical stimulation, medication, or surgical procedures may be required for cardioversion. If medication is unable to maintain your rhythm, you may need a surgical procedure such as:
- Catheter ablation. It is perfect for people who have AF but otherwise have normal heart muscle. Electrodes are used in this procedure to destroy specific areas that are causing the rapid-fire of electrical signals. Normal heart rhythm returns without medication.
- Surgical maze procedure. This procedure has to be done during open-heart surgery. Using strategically placed scars, your surgeon is able to disrupt ineffective electrical signals.
- Atrioventricular node ablation. After destroying damaged and ineffective tissue between the upper and lower chambers of your heart, your atrial fibrillation specialist installs a pacemaker to regulate your heart rate.
Your atrial fibrillation treatment goals include returning your normal heart rhythm, maintaining your best heart rate, and reintroducing you to your formerly active lifestyle. The ultimate goal of your NYC cardiologist is to find ways to minimize damage to your organs and tissue while helping you maintain a healthy daily life. If you suspect you have AFib, please contact Dr. Reisman at Manhattan Heart Testing and Cardiology Center, today!
If you have any questions for the best in class Manhattan cardiologist or would like to schedule a consultation or appointment, please feel free to contact Dr. Steven Reisman of the Manhattan Heart Testing and Cardiology Center and indicate which Manhattan office (Upper East Side, Cardiologist Midtown Manhattan, or Wall Street / Financial District) you would like to see the cardiologist for an atrial fibrillation treatment consultation.
Dr. Steven Reisman is an internationally recognized cardiologist and heart specialist. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and a founding member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.
Dr. Reisman has presented original research findings for the early detection of "high risk" heart disease and severe coronary artery disease at the annual meetings of both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Dr. Reisman was part of a group of doctors with the Food and Drug Administration who evaluated the dipyridamole thallium testing technique before the FDA approved it.
Dr. Steven Reisman's academic appointments include Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California and Assistant Professor at SUNY. Hospital appointments include the Director of Nuclear Cardiology at the Long Island College Hospital.
