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PATIENT EDUCATION · ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AFIB)

Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Understand the rhythm, protect against stroke, and explore your treatment choices.

Section 6 of 6 · Your next visit

← AFib in pictures: the short explanation
Download complete topic (PDF)

All 6 sections, including text and pictures · 28 pages

What should I do now?

Call 911

Call 911 for chest pressure, severe trouble breathing, fainting during a racing heartbeat, or stroke signs such as face drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking. Do not drive yourself.

Contact your care team

Contact your care team for new or longer episodes, worsening fatigue, reduced activity, medication side effects, or bleeding concerns.

Keep your care plan

Keep your treatment and follow-up plan. Bring questions, readings, and your medication list.

06 / YOUR NEXT VISIT

Questions to ask your care team

  • What is my stroke risk?
  • Would an early rhythm-control or ablation discussion help me?
  • How will we measure whether treatment is working?
Make an appointment

Preparing for your ablation?

Learn about procedure day, recovery, and caring for your groin puncture sites at home.

What to expect on my procedure date
Sources & further readingAHA: Understanding AFibAHA: AFib treatment options2023 AF guideline: key points

Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ.