Vanderbilt Heart Signature Program

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem and affects over 2.2 million Americans.  During atrial fibrillation the heart produces a rapid and disorganized heartbeat resulting in poor blood flow to the body.  Most people with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of developing blood clots that may lead to stroke.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

The most common cause of atrial fibrillation is an abnormality or damage to the heart's structure that can occur with heart disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, or weakend heart due to old age.  Other risk factors include chronic thyroid problems and sleep apnea, alcohol use, use of stimulant drugs, and family history. 

The Vanderbilt Heart Atrial Fibrillation Program is dedicated to providing the expert care necessary to treat patients with atrial fibrillation.  Using state-of-the-art techniques and therapies, our cardiac specialists determine what is best for each person's unique needs.

We work as a team - cardiac arrhythmia physicians (electrophysiologists), cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and specially trained nurses - to see that our patients get individualized and compassionate care.  Clinical research is a vital part of the program.  Our physicians and surgeons work directly with other scientists to advance care and understand the basic causes of atrial fibrillation. 

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the two small upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beat effectively. 

Symptoms

• Heart palpitations
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Some people do not experience any symptoms, and the problem is not uncovered until they have a doctor's exam.

Treatment 
The Vanderbilt Heart Atrial Fibrillation Program takes a comprehensive, yet individualized, approach to your treatment.  Atrial fibrillation is usually not life-threatening, but it is important to treat and control atrial fibrillation because it can lead to other health problems, such as stroke.  Options include medications used to return the heart to its normal rhythm, control medications that help slow the heart rate during atrial fibrillation, and medications to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. 

If medications are not the appropriate treatment or they do not work, we offer various procedures, devices and surgery to help control atrial fibrillation:

• Electrical Cardioversion
• Catheter Ablation
• Pulmonary Vein Isolation
• Ablation of the AV Node
• Implantable Atrial Defibrillator
• Permanent Pacemaker
• Maze Procedure
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Providers

Mark S. Wathen, M.D.
Dawood Darbar, M.D., Ph.D.
Pablo J. Saavedra, M.D.
Steven J. Hoff, M.D.
Michael R. Petracek, M.D.
Kristie D. Walker, ACNP-BC
Sharon Johnson, RN
Gayle Kucera, RN
Tanya Stubblefield, RN