Manage related health risks
Address factors such as blood pressure, weight, physical activity, alcohol, tobacco and sleep-disordered breathing where relevant.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kathy Shi, M.D., Ph.D. · SinoUnited Health
Atrial fibrillation care in Shanghai
A clearer path through atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation care is not based on one procedure alone. It begins with confirming the rhythm, understanding symptoms and related health conditions, assessing stroke risk, and choosing a treatment strategy around the individual patient.
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Understanding the condition
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, often shortened to AF or AFib, is an abnormal rhythm arising in the upper chambers of the heart. Instead of a coordinated rhythm, electrical activity becomes irregular and the heartbeat may be fast, slow or variable.
AF can occur in episodes, continue for longer periods, or become a sustained rhythm. Some people feel clear symptoms while others discover it during an examination or rhythm recording. A confirmed diagnosis normally requires an ECG or another clinician-reviewed recording.
The condition matters for two separate reasons: it can affect symptoms and quality of life, and it can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke in some patients. These risks must be assessed individually rather than inferred from symptoms alone.
Symptoms and warning signs
AF can feel different from one person to another
Symptoms may come and go, remain present, or be subtle enough to overlook. Their severity does not reliably show the amount of rhythm disturbance or a person’s stroke risk.
Palpitations
A racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat.
Reduced energy
Fatigue, weakness or reduced ability to exercise.
Breathing changes
Shortness of breath, especially with activity.
Light-headedness
Dizziness or feeling faint, sometimes during a rapid rhythm.
Specialist assessment
Building an accurate picture before choosing treatment
A specialist review brings together the rhythm diagnosis, pattern and duration of AF, symptoms, heart structure, associated conditions, previous treatment and the patient’s priorities.
- 01Confirm and characterize the rhythm.
Review ECGs, ambulatory monitoring or relevant device recordings. - 02Assess the heart and related conditions.
This may include echocardiography, blood tests and evaluation of blood pressure, sleep-disordered breathing or other cardiovascular conditions. - 03Evaluate stroke and bleeding considerations.
Clinicians use validated risk assessment and shared decision-making to discuss whether stroke-prevention treatment is appropriate. - 04Clarify goals.
Reducing symptoms, improving function, preventing complications and limiting progression may require different combinations of care.
Guideline-based care
Four connected parts of AF management
Current international guidance emphasizes comprehensive, patient-centered care rather than treating the rhythm in isolation. The plan is revisited as symptoms, risks and health conditions change.
Assess stroke prevention
Stroke-prevention decisions depend on an individualized clinical risk assessment—not simply whether AF is occasional or persistent.
Control rate or rhythm
Medication, cardioversion and catheter ablation are considered according to symptoms, AF pattern, heart health and patient preference.
Evaluate and reassess
AF and associated conditions can change over time, so follow-up and treatment adjustment are part of continuing care.
Rhythm-control treatment
When might catheter ablation be discussed?
This information is general. Only a clinician who has reviewed the individual case can advise whether a procedure is appropriate.
Symptoms and treatment goals
Ablation is commonly discussed when AF is symptomatic and a rhythm-control strategy is desired. The expected benefit is usually framed around symptom improvement and reducing AF burden—not a guaranteed cure.
Previous and alternative treatment
The discussion considers medications already tried, contraindications or side effects, cardioversion history and whether the patient prefers a catheter-based approach.
AF pattern and clinical context
Episode duration, whether AF is paroxysmal or persistent, heart structure, other medical conditions and previous procedures can influence planning and likely outcomes.
Benefits, limitations and risks
A specialist should explain the proposed technique, procedural risks, possibility of recurrence, potential need for repeat treatment and why anticoagulation decisions remain separate from symptom control.
Specialist experience
Complex arrhythmia care with Dr. Feifan Ouyang
Dr. Ouyang’s clinical and academic career has focused on cardiac electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation and the catheter ablation of complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. His background spans medical training in China and extensive electrophysiology practice and laboratory leadership in Hamburg.
View Dr. Ouyang’s experience220+Manuscripts and papers across cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia care
China · GermanyTraining, clinical practice and electrophysiology laboratory leadership
AF focusResearch and clinical experience in pulmonary vein isolation and catheter ablation
ShanghaiInvited arrhythmia specialist at Shanghai SinoUnited Hospital
Preparing for a consultation
Information that can make the first review more useful
The care team will explain how to share records securely. Do not send medical attachments through the initial website form.
Rhythm records
ECGs, monitoring reports, wearable recordings and the dates of documented episodes.
Treatment history
Current and previous medicines, cardioversions, ablations and any relevant side effects.
Clinical background
Recent echocardiogram or imaging reports, other diagnoses and a short description of symptoms and goals.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients often ask about AF
These answers provide general education and do not replace an individual medical assessment.
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
AF can increase stroke risk in some patients and may affect symptoms, heart function or quality of life. The degree of risk differs, so clinical assessment is important even when symptoms are mild.
Do all patients with AF need a blood thinner?
No single answer applies to everyone. Clinicians assess stroke risk, bleeding considerations and other factors before discussing anticoagulation. Do not start, stop or change prescribed medication without medical advice.
Does catheter ablation cure atrial fibrillation?
Ablation can reduce symptoms and AF burden in appropriately selected patients, but recurrence is possible and some people require additional treatment. A specialist should discuss realistic goals and individual risks.
Can AF return after ablation?
Yes. Recurrence may occur because AF and its underlying drivers can change over time. Follow-up, risk-factor management and occasionally repeat treatment may be considered.
Can I have AF without feeling it?
Yes. Some episodes cause few or no noticeable symptoms. A diagnosis should be confirmed from an ECG or another clinician-reviewed rhythm recording.
Should I stop anticoagulation if my rhythm feels normal?
No medication should be stopped based only on symptoms or an apparently normal rhythm. Stroke-prevention decisions are based on individual risk and require advice from the treating clinician.
Request specialist care
Would you like an atrial fibrillation review?
Share basic contact information and the SinoUnited international care team can help coordinate the next appropriate step with Dr. Ouyang’s service.
Request a consultation For emergencies, contact local emergency services immediately.
Clinical references
Guidelines informing this page
- Joglar JA, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation. 2024.
- Van Gelder IC, et al. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal. 2024.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Kathy Shi, M.D., Ph.D.Affiliation: SinoUnited HealthReview date: July 20, 2026