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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.

Doctor adjusting heart monitor machine

Chat With a Referral Specialist Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Or call (855) 421-2904.

Featured Services

  • Cardiac Implantable Devices
  • Cardiovascular Imaging and Diagnostic Services
  • Cardioversion
  • Watchman Implant

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.

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Patient Stories

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.

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

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General Cardiology Research

Sutter Health General Cardiology Research
Sutter Health Research in General Cardiology investigates the disorders of the heart as well as some parts of the circulatory system. For further information please see the research topics of Heart Failure, Electrophysiology, Structural Heart, Ischemic Heart. 

Sutter Health General Cardiology Research Sutter Health General Cardiology Research

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Richard Cheng, M.D.

Richard Cheng, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Rob A. Patrawala, M.D.

Rob A. Patrawala, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Electrophysiology

Alifeya M. Attarwala, M.D.

Alifeya M. Attarwala, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Amin Manuchehry, M.D., FACC, FSCAI

Amin Manuchehry, M.D., FACC, FSCAI

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Sanjeev Vaishampayan, M.D.

Sanjeev Vaishampayan, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Diwarkar V. Lingam, M.D.

Diwarkar V. Lingam, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Kenny K. Charn, M.D., FACC

Kenny K. Charn, M.D., FACC

  • Cardiovascular Disease

Paul L. Ludmer, M.D., FACC

Paul L. Ludmer, M.D., FACC

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Electrophysiology

Steven Kang, M.D.

Steven Kang, M.D.

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Electrophysiology

View All Related Doctors

Services Near You

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Memorial Hospital Los Banos

Memorial Hospital Los Banos

Eden Medical Center

Eden Medical Center

Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation

Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation

Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

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