Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment in Oceanside & Vista — What Patients Should Know
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Your heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals that keep it steady and coordinated. In atrial fibrillation (AFib), those signals misfire, causing the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to beat irregularly or too quickly. This irregular rhythm can disrupt blood flow, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. More importantly, AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
For patients in Oceanside, Vista, and North County San Diego, early diagnosis and treatment of AFib is essential to maintaining health and preventing life-threatening complications.
Common Symptoms of AFib
AFib can present in different ways. Some patients have noticeable symptoms, while others may not realize they have the condition until a routine exam or heart test reveals it.
Symptoms may include:
- Fluttering or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Racing heartbeat or pounding in the chest
- Shortness of breath during exercise or rest
- Fatigue or weakness that doesn’t improve with rest
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Chest pain or discomfort (which requires immediate attention)
If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s important to consult a cardiologist in Oceanside or Vista for evaluation.
Why AFib Treatment Matters
Left untreated, AFib can lead to serious complications. Irregular heart rhythms can cause blood to pool in the atria, forming clots that may travel to the brain and trigger a stroke. In fact, AFib increases stroke risk by up to five times. Over time, AFib can also weaken the heart muscle, leading to congestive heart failure.
That’s why timely AFib treatment in North County San Diego is so critical — not only to improve daily quality of life, but also to protect long-term health.
Treatment Options for AFib
At Tri-City Cardiology and Arrhythmia Services, we offer a full spectrum of AFib management strategies tailored to each patient’s needs.
1. Medications
- Rate-control drugs help keep the heartbeat from racing too fast.
- Rhythm-control drugs may restore a more normal heart rhythm.
- Blood thinners reduce stroke risk by preventing clots from forming.
2. Catheter Ablation
This minimally invasive procedure targets and corrects the faulty electrical signals causing AFib. Guided catheters deliver energy to small areas of heart tissue, creating scar tissue that blocks irregular signals. Ablation is often recommended for patients whose AFib symptoms aren’t well controlled with medication.
3. WATCHMAN™ Device
For patients who cannot safely remain on long-term blood thinners, the WATCHMAN™ device offers an alternative. This small implant seals off the left atrial appendage (a common source of clots in AFib) to lower stroke risk without lifelong medication.
4. Lifestyle Management
In addition to medical and procedural treatments, our team helps patients improve heart health through lifestyle strategies, including:
- Weight management
- Blood pressure control
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Regular exercise and stress management
Why Local Care Matters
Traveling long distances for advanced care can be stressful, especially for older patients managing chronic heart conditions. With expert AFib treatment available in Oceanside, patients from Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and the rest of North County San Diego can receive state-of-the-art cardiac care close to home.
Our board-certified electrophysiologist, Dr. Mohammad Pash, specializes in arrhythmia management and performs advanced procedures such as catheter ablation and device implantation. Having a local AFib expert ensures continuity of care and easy access to follow-up appointments.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Living with AFib doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right treatment plan, many patients experience fewer symptoms, reduced risk of complications, and improved quality of life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib or are experiencing heart rhythm symptoms, don’t wait. Contact Tri-City Cardiology and Arrhythmia Services today at (760) 630-1606 to schedule a consultation in our Oceanside office. Our team proudly serves patients in Vista, Carlsbad, and all of North County San Diego with compassionate, expert heart care.