Understanding Heart Rhythm Issues and AFib
Cardiac Electrophysiologist Raffaele Corbisiero, MD
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when normal beating in the upper chambers of the heart is irregular, causing blood to not flow as well as it should through the heart.
Disorganized electrical signals are at the root of many irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias, particularly AFib, it occurs in the atria, or the heart’s top chambers. With an expected increase in Americans who suffer from AFib, it is vital to consult a cardiac electrophysiologist if you are experiencing the symptoms below, as AFib increases the risk for stroke and heart failure.
Symptoms of arrhythmias can include:
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- Palpitations – fluttering, pounding or racing chest sensations
- A fast or slow heartbeat
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Sweating
- Fatigue
“Atrial fibrillation is a problem that needs to be treated when you detect it.” explains cardiac electrophysiologist Raffaele Corbisiero, MD. “This is a problem you want to treat as early as possible, the best chance of success is when you do the ablation procedure within the first year of diagnosis.”
KYW’s Rasa Kaye talks with cardiac electrophysiologist Raffaele Corbisiero, MD about arrhythmias and how his team at Deborah diagnoses it, stages it, and treats it, including an assessment of COVID’s impact and new technologies in electrophysiology.