See how Dr. Shukla explains Persistent AFib, which does not convert back to normal rhythm on its own. Medical treatment is needed to stop the AFib.
Dr. Shukla:
A persistent atrial fibrillation is one step down the line for a paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Persistent atrial fibrillation is where the atrial fibrillation comes on, and we have to do some sort of therapeutic intervention to cause the atrial fibrillation to go away.
If we do not do anything, usually the atrial fibrillation continues. So some potential therapeutic options include medical therapy or electrical cardioversions that will get the patient out of the arrhythmia.
What type of AF do I have?
Atrial fibrillation is divided into categories to better delineate the treatment regimen. Most people believe that this is a continuous spectrum and the earlier on the spectrum the more successful certain therapies are.
There are 3 types of AFib:
* Paroxysmal AFib occurs in short, intermittent episodes. The abnormal rhythm usually converts back to normal within a short time - from a few seconds to a few hours.
* Persistent AFib does not convert back to normal rhythm on its own. Medical treatment is needed to stop the AFib.
* Permanent AFib occurs when the heart is always fibrillating. This condition is accompanied by symptoms that cause discomfort and an increased risk of stroke. Treatment is required.
The type of atrial fibrillation will determine the therapy and the success of the therapy.
Bio:
Himanshu H. Shukla, M.D., specializes in treating heart rhythm disorders and is founder of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (CAI) dedicated to providing heart care customized to the individual. Dr. Shukla is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society, has completed training at Columbia University in New York City, the University of Missouri and the University of Oklahoma. He is recognized for numerous published articles on the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, and by the American Heart Association for Outstanding Research. Dr. Shukla’s community works include raising awareness of heart rhythm disorders, safety and prevention measures through speeches, training and counsel; and contributing external defibrillators to local public schools and other entities.
Dr. Shukla has completed post doctoral training in electrophysiology at the University of Oklahoma/Oklahoma City which is recognized as a world leader in treating heart rhythm disorders, participating in an Advanced Fellowship in Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. He also acquired post-doctoral training at the University of Missouri-Columbia, completing a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine, and spent his residency for internal medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons’ St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York.
In 2003, he was honored by the American Heart Association, receiving its third Annual Cardiology Fellows Forum of Excellence Award.
Dr. Shukla serves on the medical journal review boards of the Journal of Cardiovascular Research: Journal of the European Society of Cardiology; and the Heart Rhythm Journal, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society.
His work has been published on several occasions in medical journals such as the Heart Rhythm Journal; the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology (JICE); Cardiovascular Research; and PACE, the official journal of the International Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology Society. His teachings include Advanced Physical Diagnosis as well as presently participating in an Electrocardiogram Lectureship at the Arizona State University School of Nursing.
Dr. Shukla speaks regularly throughout the country on the topic of heart arrhythmia, is recognized nationally by his peers on intervention, and is consulted often on the use and development of defibrillators, pacemakers and other devices to regulate the heart.
Founder of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute based in Mesa, Ariz., Dr. Shukla also leads a nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing education and awareness of heart arrhythmia and contributes defibrillators to schools and other facilities within the community.
Dr. Shukla presently has a provisional patent application pending. He is fluent in Spanish and Gujurati.
