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Heart Rhythm Disorders

Atrial fibrillation (also called AF or AFib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, but that doesn’t make its symptoms or risks less frightening. In the Sutter Health network, we offer comprehensive programs to diagnose and treat AFib and other heart rhythm disorders using the latest minimally invasive treatments and procedures.

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Or call (888) 834-1788.

Treating Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (also called AF and AFib), the most common form of irregular heartbeat, affects more than 3 million people in the United States. It is most common in older adults, especially those with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure and obesity.

AFib occurs when the electrical signals of your upper heart chambers (the atria) begin to misfire, causing erratic, uncoordinated pumping. This can lead to an increased chance of stroke and heart failure.

Young woman sitting on park bench with hand over heart

Because of this, you should seek Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment (PDF) as soon as you suspect a heart rhythm disorder.

We offer the full range of AFib care to reduce your risk, manage your symptoms and repair the problem. Here are some of the services we provide.

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that uses high energy electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. A doctor administers electricity through paddles or patches on the chest while the patient is under light anesthesia.

Medications

Antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants are the two drugs most commonly prescribed for patients with AFib. In some patients, antiarrhythmic drugs help control the heart rate to restore a normal, consistent rhythm. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) help prevent blood clots to reduce the risk of stroke.

Ablation

Cardiac ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a catheter to locate and destroy (ablate) tiny areas that are interfering with the heart’s normal electrical impulses. In many people, this can restore a normal heart rhythm long-term.

Maze Surgery

Maze refers to a specific type of cardiac ablation that creates a pattern of scars (ablation lines) on the heart. This “maze” reroutes electrical impulses to let them travel normally to the heart. The traditional Maze procedure is done during open heart surgery.

Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Our heart specialists use a variety of tools to keep the heart’s rhythm steady. A battery-powered pacemaker, installed in a short surgical procedure, helps keep the heart beating normally.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) detects rapid, irregular heartbeats and can send an electrical shock to the heart, returning the rhythm back to normal. We also offer wearable defibrillators for certain patients.

Patient Information

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Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

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Health and Wellness

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TAVR Research

Sutter Health TAVR Research
Heart failure is a life-changing and scary diagnosis. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body's tissues. Several different heart-related problems can cause heart failure and it often becomes a chronic, lifelong condition.

Sutter Health TAVR Research Sutter Health TAVR Research

Patient Stories

Patient Gains New Life after Heart Surgery

Alice Santos discusses the exceptional cardiac care she received at CPMC's Kanbar Cadiac Center.

Surviving a Ventricular Fibrillation Attack

George Vaughn never had heart trouble until a sudden onset of ventricular fibrillation threatened his life.

How Two Women Were Liberated from Atrial Fibrillation

Madlyn and Rocky share how they overcame atrial fibrillation thanks to Christopher Woods, M.D., and the team at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center.

View All Stories

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Kent H. Wong, M.D.

Kent H. Wong, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Gustin M. Ho, M.D., FACP

Gustin M. Ho, M.D., FACP

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Edward J. Yoon, M.D.

Edward J. Yoon, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Jaime J. Molden, M.D.

Jaime J. Molden, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Electrophysiology

Jeffrey Guttas, M.D.

Jeffrey Guttas, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Bhavik Khatri, D.O.

Bhavik Khatri, D.O.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

George K. Lui, M.D.

George K. Lui, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Elliott M. Groves, M.D.

Elliott M. Groves, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Kaartiga Sivanesan, M.D.

Kaartiga Sivanesan, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

View All Related Doctors

Services Near You

Sutter Coast Hospital

Sutter Coast Hospital

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Memorial Hospital Los Banos

Memorial Hospital Los Banos

Memorial Medical Center Modesto

Memorial Medical Center Modesto

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

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