How to treat (AFib)
There are several options for atrial fibrillation medications and treatments that can help manage your condition.
You may not need treatment for an abnormal heart rhythm if you don't experience symptoms, if you don't have other heart problems, or if the atrial fibrillation stops on its own.
Some heart-healthy lifestyle changes to maintain a normal heart rhythm include:
Getting regular physical activity
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Managing high blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy weight
AFib medication
AFib medication
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you maintain a regular heart rhythm, prevent blood clots, and strengthen heart contractions. Common AFib medications include:
Beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, or sodium-channel blockers decrease your heart rate, relax blood vessels, and control the heart's rhythm:
Blood thinners including anticoagulants, such as apixaban, dabigatran, and warfarin, to reduce the risk of blood clots and prevent strokes
Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Savaysa (edoxaban)
Antiarrhythmics to control heart rhythm
Digitalis glycosides to strengthen your heart contractions
What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that can disrupt normal blood flow. AFib is caused by an extremely fast and irregular heartbeat, usually exceeding 400 beats per minute. The interruption of normal blood flow can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
For people with AFib, abnormal electrical signals make the atria contract irregularly and much faster than normal in the heart's upper chambers.
You can reduce the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm by:
Treating any underlying health conditions (i.e., treating high blood pressure by taking blood pressure medications)
Quitting smoking
Avoiding alcohol or only drinking occasionally.
Taking atrial fibrillation medications, such as blood thinners or beta-blockers, as prescribed
What to know about Atrial fibrillation
What causes AFib?
Atrial fibrillation happens when the regular beating in the heart's upper chambers (the atria) becomes irregular, and blood stops flowing regularly from the atria to the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles). AFib may happen in brief episodes or be a permanent condition.
What is a dangerous heart rate with AFib?
With atrial fibrillation, your heartbeat may exceed 140 beats a minute when resting. Sometimes, your heartbeat may beat extremely fast, reaching 500–600 beats per minute.
How is AFib diagnosed?
AFib is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that records your heart's electrical signals. If AFib doesn't occur during the EKG, your doctor may recommend:
A Holter monitor or event monitor to record your heartbeat.
An echocardiogram (ECG), which uses sound waves to produce a moving image of your heart
A transesophageal echocardiogram, an invasive version of an echocardiogram
A stress test, which monitors your heart during exercise
A chest X-ray to examine your heart and lungs
Blood tests to diagnose underlying thyroid or metabolic conditions
What causes AFib to come and go?
Atrial fibrillation is associated with multiple triggers, including:
Alcohol and caffeine consumption
Stress
Sleep issues
What does AFib look like on an ECG?
Atrial fibrillation shows a chaotic heart rhythm on an ECG, irregularly appearing and no P waves from the top of the heart.
How to get AFib medication online

Step 1
Book an Atrial fibrillation treatment appointment.
Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your clinician regarding your Atrial fibrillation issues.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your medication for Atrial fibrillation.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Most major insurance plans accepted
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
Related conditions to AFib
Other conditions may mimic the symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Consider discussing these related conditions while meeting with one of our doctors.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Thyroid disorders Sleep Apnea DiabetesChronic lung diseases
Viral infections
Atrial fibrillation pricing details
How it works
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Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
American Heart Association. Treatment and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation. Accessed on July 25, 2023. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atrial fibrillation. Accessed on July 25, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm
Johns Hopkins Medicine. What is Afib? Accessed on July 25, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atrial-fibrillation