Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) | Q&A

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart rhythm abnormality, affecting more than 33 million people worldwide. Patients with AFib are at a higher risk of stroke if not properly treated. Watch Hugh Calkins, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, as he discusses the latest developments impacting AFib management, including a review of the recent guidelines, the latest techniques and strategies for stroke prevention. Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute by visiting http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart_vascular_institute/

Questions Answered:
1. What is atrial fibrillation? What causes it? 0:03
2. How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed? 0:41
3. Once atrial fibrillation is diagnosed, how should it be treated? 1:07
4. Are all people with atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke? 1:59
5. What other approaches are available to lower the stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation? 3:14
6. What techniques are available to remove or occlude the atrial appendage? 4:17
7. How do you decide which approach to use for a given patient? 5:03