Heart
Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular, often fast rhythm arising from the heart’s upper chambers. It ranges from silent to disabling — and it raises stroke risk when not properly managed.
AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.
How AFib feels — and how it hides
Some patients feel every beat: a fluttering, pounding, or “fish flopping” sensation in the chest. Others notice only exercise intolerance, fatigue, or lightheadedness. Many discover AFib incidentally on a routine EKG or wearable device.
Because silent AFib carries the same stroke risk as symptomatic AFib, screening matters — particularly after age 65.
Call 911 for palpitations that come with fainting, chest pain, or trouble breathing, or for any sign of stroke: sudden weakness on one side, a drooping face, or trouble speaking.
Why stroke risk goes up
The chaotic upper-chamber activity lets blood pool in a small pouch of the heart (the left atrial appendage), where clots can form. If a clot travels to the brain, it causes a stroke.
Your cardiologist uses a risk score to decide whether anticoagulation — blood-thinning medicine — is right for you.
How it works
How we check your rhythm
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01
EKG and rhythm monitoring
An electrocardiogram records the rhythm at the visit. If the irregular beats come and go, longer monitoring may be needed to catch them.
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02
Echocardiogram
A heart ultrasound looks at the heart’s structure and pump function.
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03
Looking for what drives it
Sleep apnea, high blood pressure, obesity, and alcohol can all drive AFib. Treating them is often as important as any procedure.
More about the tests: EKG and heart rhythm monitoring · echocardiogram.
Treatment options
We provide long-term medical management and procedural treatment for atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disorders. Which path fits you is decided at the consultation.
Stroke prevention
Anticoagulation is the most important protective step for patients whose risk score calls for it.
Rate control
Medications that slow the heart rate so the heart works more comfortably.
Rhythm control
Medication or catheter ablation — a minimally invasive procedure — aimed at restoring a normal rhythm in appropriately selected patients.
Questions about AFib
My watch says I may have AFib. What should I do?
I already have AFib. Can I get a second opinion?
Do you accept my insurance?
Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.
Where can I read more?
An irregular heartbeat should be looked at.
Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day. We verify your insurance before your visit. Most new patients are seen within 5–7 business days.
AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.