18/11/2025
Atrial Fibrillation 4
Treatment for atrial fibrillation
If you have been diagnosed with AF, you will have regular check-ups to make sure your symptoms are under control. You may be given medicines to:
• Control the rate and rhythm of your heart, such as beta blockers
• Lower the risk of blood clots or stroke (anticoagulants).
Other possible treatments include:
• Surgery to burn or freeze a section of the heart (ablation)
• Using electricity to reset your heart rhythm (electrical cardioversion)
• Having a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted.
There are things that you can do yourself to help with atrial fibrillation and lower the chances of complications:
• Avoid triggers such as caffeine, spicy food, stress and dehydration
• Try to keep to a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly-aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, like walking, bike riding or gardening.
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t drink too much alcohol
• Don’t exercise too hard.
