Heart rhythm problems, or arrhythmias — electrical impulses to the heart that cause it to beat too rapidly, slowly or irregularly — can be frightening because they are unpredictable. Some arrhythmias can be harmless while others can be life-threatening. Stony Brook’s Heart Rhythm Center team is here to help you get back your quality of life again. Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is one of the most common types of heart rhythm disorders.
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What is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation or AFib is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. In fact, with AFib, there’s a five times greater risk of suffering a stroke — that's why it's important not to ignore signs and symptoms and to see your physician for regular check-ups.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms often include palpitations (racing or fluttering heartbeat), shortness of breath, chest discomfort, lightheadedness and extreme fatigue. About 10 percent of patients with AFib experience no symptoms at all, though, and are diagnosed only when the disorder is detected during an unrelated office visit.
What are the risk factors?
Most at-risk are those with an underlying heart condition, family history, high blood pressure, obesity or chronic condition such as thyroid disease, sleep apnea or diabetes. Add to the mix, also, being over 60 years old.
A Personalized Approach to All Arrhythmia Problems
If you’re experiencing AFib or other arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) disorder symptoms, you likely have many questions. Our compassionate and experienced cardiac electrophysiologists — cardiologists who focus on testing for and treating problems involving irregular heart rhythms — are here to answer all of them. Our electrophysiologists work closely with your referring physician to ensure the quality, ease and continuity of your Stony Brook patient experience, starting with the initial consultation and carrying through to your personalized treatment plan and follow-up care. And should you need more advanced care, our Heart Institute's team of experts and Advanced Multifunctional Cath/EP Lab offers the full scope of critical lifesaving procedures with the latest in cardiac technology onsite.
Our Heart Rhythm Center cardiac electrophysiologists:
- Eric J. Rashba, MD, MHCM, FACC, FHRS, Director, Heart Rhythm Center
- Ibrahim O. Almasry, MD, FHRS, FACC
- Roger Fan, MD, FACC, FHRS, Director, Complex Arrhythmia Ablation Program
- Abhijeet Singh, MD, FHRS, Director, Electrophysiology Outreach
- Stephen C. Vlay, MD
Put Your Heart Health First
If you are at risk or if someone in your family has a heart condition, it’s important to schedule a visit with a cardiologist for preventive care. Our cardiologists can help you improve your heart health and/or prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease with a comprehensive heart disease risk assessment and treatment options.
Do something good for your own heart health by taking a free heart health assessment now.
For information and appointments