Can atrial fibrillation be completely cured?

Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
Updated on September 20, 2024
00:00
00:00

Regarding whether atrial fibrillation can be completely cured, it essentially depends on the definition of being completely cured. If the criterion is complete cessation of medication, then many patients cannot achieve this. However, if the standard is conversion of atrial fibrillation back to normal sinus rhythm, then it is achievable for many patients, such as those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, who suffer from recurrent episodes and do not respond well to medication. In such cases, radiofrequency ablation might be attempted, and there is a high likelihood that after the treatment, the rhythm will convert to sinus rhythm. In this sense, some people can be considered cured. However, whether anticoagulation therapy can be discontinued depends on their thromboembolic risk score. This means that even if atrial fibrillation converts to sinus rhythm after radiofrequency ablation, some patients still need long-term anticoagulant medication. Therefore, from the perspective of discontinuing medication, such patients with atrial fibrillation are not considered cured.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
45sec home-news-image

"Heart atrial fibrillation" refers to what?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinical arrhythmia. An electrocardiogram reveals abnormal fluctuations in the atria, which are fast and disordered with some fibrillating waves, known as atrial fibrillation. Diseases causing atrial fibrillation are often associated with structural heart disease. Common conditions include rheumatic heart disease, heart failure, pulmonary heart disease, viral myocarditis, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart disease. Atrial fibrillation can also occur in conditions that cause sympathetic or parasympathetic nerve activity changes, with hyperthyroidism being a common related disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Can atrial fibrillation be completely cured?

Regarding whether atrial fibrillation can be completely cured, it essentially depends on the definition of being completely cured. If the criterion is complete cessation of medication, then many patients cannot achieve this. However, if the standard is conversion of atrial fibrillation back to normal sinus rhythm, then it is achievable for many patients, such as those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, who suffer from recurrent episodes and do not respond well to medication. In such cases, radiofrequency ablation might be attempted, and there is a high likelihood that after the treatment, the rhythm will convert to sinus rhythm. In this sense, some people can be considered cured. However, whether anticoagulation therapy can be discontinued depends on their thromboembolic risk score. This means that even if atrial fibrillation converts to sinus rhythm after radiofrequency ablation, some patients still need long-term anticoagulant medication. Therefore, from the perspective of discontinuing medication, such patients with atrial fibrillation are not considered cured.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
57sec home-news-image

How is atrial fibrillation surgery performed?

Frequent atrial fibrillation attacks with a rapid ventricular rate, in cases unresponsive to drug treatment, can be managed by atrioventricular node ablation followed by the placement of a ventricular demand or dual-chamber pacemaker. Other treatment methods include radiofrequency ablation, surgical operations, and implantation of atrial defibrillators. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the methods for atrial fibrillation ablation, and the indications for atrial fibrillation ablation have been expanded. However, the success rate remains suboptimal and the recurrence rate is relatively high. Currently, international guidelines still categorize radiofrequency ablation as a second-line treatment for atrial fibrillation, not as the first choice treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
51sec home-news-image

Atrial fibrillation symptoms

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia we encounter in our daily lives. So, what symptoms generally accompany atrial fibrillation? These symptoms are often characterized by sudden onset and cessation of palpitations, or chest tightness. During palpitations or chest tightness, dizziness often accompanies, and some patients may experience chest pain. If you exhibit these symptoms, don't panic. You can visit the cardiology outpatient department at a hospital. There, a doctor can perform an electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor test to see if you have atrial fibrillation. Blood tests can also be done to check if hyperthyroidism, a potential cause of atrial fibrillation, is present. Based on these examinations, follow the doctor's guidance and take medications as prescribed for treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
39sec home-news-image

What does atrial fibrillation mean?

Atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated as AF, is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. Medically, it is described as a disorderly and irregular heart rhythm without a rhythm in the atria. In layman's terms, for example, if our heartbeat is like people queuing up to buy tickets, normally everyone comes one by one in an orderly manner. Atrial fibrillation, however, is like everyone rushing to the ticketing area at once. Consequently, some people might run fast, others slow, some take up more space because they are heavier, and others less because they are thinner. Atrial fibrillation is similar to this scenario.