Atrial Fibrillation & Arrhythmia Management

Specialist Assessment and Management of Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Rhythm Disorders

Shore Cardiology provides comprehensive assessment and management of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias from Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest and Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga.

Heart rhythm disorders are among the most common reasons patients are referred to a cardiologist. Symptoms may range from occasional palpitations through to debilitating fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness or recurrent hospital presentations.

Our cardiologists provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment, working closely with patients and referring doctors to optimise long-term outcomes.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder.

In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly, causing the heartbeat to become irregular and often fast.

Some patients experience significant symptoms, while others may have no symptoms at all.

Common symptoms include:

  • Palpitations

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Shortness of breath

  • Reduced exercise tolerance

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

  • Chest discomfort

Early diagnosis is important because atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and hospitalisation.

Why Is Atrial Fibrillation Important?

The major concern associated with atrial fibrillation is stroke.

Blood can pool within the atria during episodes of AF, increasing the risk of clot formation and embolic stroke.

Assessment of stroke risk is therefore a critical component of atrial fibrillation management.

Treatment may involve:

  • Stroke prevention

  • Rate control

  • Rhythm control

  • Lifestyle modification

  • Catheter ablation

Management is tailored to each patient's symptoms, risk profile and treatment goals.

Arrhythmias We Commonly Manage

Atrial Fibrillation

Including:

  • Newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation

  • Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

  • Persistent atrial fibrillation

  • Long-standing atrial fibrillation

  • Recurrent atrial fibrillation following cardioversion or ablation

Atrial Flutter

A common rhythm disturbance that may present with palpitations, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

SVT can cause sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat and may occur intermittently over many years.

Premature Atrial and Ventricular Beats

Extra heartbeats are common and are often benign but may occasionally require investigation or treatment.

Bradycardia and Conduction Disease

Slow heart rhythms can cause dizziness, fatigue or blackouts and may require pacemaker therapy.

Investigation of Arrhythmias

Accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment decisions are made.

Investigations may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  • Holter monitoring

  • Extended ambulatory ECG monitoring

  • Echocardiography

  • Stress echocardiography

  • Cardiac MRI

  • Blood pressure monitoring

These tests help determine the underlying rhythm disturbance and identify any associated structural heart disease.

Stroke Prevention

Preventing stroke is one of the most important aspects of atrial fibrillation management.

Stroke risk is assessed using established clinical scoring systems and individual risk factors.

For many patients, anticoagulant medication significantly reduces the risk of stroke and systemic embolism.

We provide comprehensive assessment of:

  • Stroke risk

  • Bleeding risk

  • Anticoagulation suitability

  • Long-term treatment strategies

Rhythm Control and Symptom Management

Treatment aims to improve symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Management options may include:

  • Lifestyle modification

  • Treatment of contributing conditions

  • Rate control medications

  • Anti-arrhythmic medications

  • Electrical cardioversion

  • Catheter ablation

The most appropriate strategy depends on symptoms, age, comorbidities and patient preference.

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment option for many patients with atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.

Where appropriate, we work closely with experienced electrophysiologists and cardiac rhythm specialists to facilitate assessment and treatment.

Ablation may be considered for patients who:

  • Remain symptomatic despite medication

  • Prefer rhythm control

  • Have recurrent atrial fibrillation

  • Experience medication side effects

Lifestyle and Risk Factor Management

Management of atrial fibrillation extends beyond medications and procedures.

Important risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure

  • Obesity

  • Sleep apnoea

  • Diabetes

  • Excess alcohol consumption

  • Physical inactivity

Addressing these factors can significantly reduce arrhythmia burden and improve long-term outcomes.

Why Choose Shore Cardiology?

  • Comprehensive arrhythmia assessment

  • Expertise in atrial fibrillation management

  • Access to advanced cardiac imaging

  • Holter and ambulatory ECG monitoring

  • Individualised stroke prevention strategies

  • Collaboration with leading electrophysiologists

  • Convenient locations at Northern Beaches Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital

Referrals

Referrals from general practitioners, emergency departments and specialist practitioners are welcome.

We provide assessment for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation, recurrent arrhythmias, palpitations and patients seeking a second opinion regarding treatment options.

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