Atrial Fibrillation Treatment at Cardioclinic
Introduction:
Cardioclinic provides atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, evaluation and heart rhythm care for patients across Greater Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Pearland, Wharton, Aliana, Memorial City, The Heights, Garden Oaks, Shadow Creek Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, and nearby communities. Our cardiology team helps patients evaluate irregular heartbeat symptoms, confirm diagnosis with heart rhythm testing, understand stroke risk, and choose a personalized treatment plan.
If you feel your heart racing, fluttering, skipping beats, or beating irregularly, Cardioclinic can help you take the next step.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of abnormal heart rhythm. It happens when the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat in an irregular and uncoordinated way. This can make blood flow less efficiently and may increase the chance of blood clot formation.
AFib may happen occasionally, come and go, or become persistent. Some patients feel strong symptoms, while others may have AFib without noticing symptoms. Because AFib can be silent, testing is important when symptoms or risk factors are present.
AFib Symptoms
AFib symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients feel obvious rhythm changes, while others discover AFib during an EKG, wearable device alert, routine physical, hospital visit, or evaluation for another condition.
- Racing heartbeat
- Fluttering heartbeat
- Skipped beats
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Chest discomfort
- Exercise intolerance
- Weakness
- Fainting or near-fainting
Emergency warning: If chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, stroke symptoms, or sudden severe weakness occurs, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
What Causes AFib?
AFib can be related to heart conditions, medical problems, lifestyle factors, and age-related changes in the heart.
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Heart failure
- Prior heart attack
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Smoking
- Family history of AFib
- Older age
How Cardioclinic Diagnoses AFib
Diagnosing AFib starts with understanding symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and heart rhythm patterns. Because AFib can come and go, one short test may not always capture the rhythm problem.
EKG / Electrocardiogram
An EKG records the heart’s electrical activity and is often the first test used to detect AFib.
Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor records heart rhythm over a longer period, often 24–48 hours or longer depending on the device and medical need.
Learn more about Holter monitoring
Event Monitoring
An event monitor may be used when symptoms happen less often and require longer rhythm tracking.
Learn more about event monitoring
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and function.
Learn more about echocardiogram testing
Additional Evaluation
Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, the cardiology team may also evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid function, sleep apnea risk, valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or other conditions connected to AFib.
AFib Treatment Options
AFib treatment is personalized. The goal is usually to reduce symptoms, control heart rate, manage rhythm, lower stroke risk, and treat related conditions.
Rate Control
Rate control medications may help keep the heartbeat from becoming too fast. Examples may include beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers when clinically appropriate.
Rhythm Control
Rhythm control may involve medications or procedures that help restore or maintain a more regular heart rhythm.
Stroke Risk Evaluation
AFib can increase stroke risk, so stroke prevention is a major part of AFib care. Treatment may include blood thinners when appropriate.
Cardioversion
Cardioversion may be used to help restore normal rhythm in selected patients. It may involve electrical shock or medication to reset the heart rhythm.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used for certain rhythm problems. It targets the areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals.
Learn more about cardiac ablation procedures
Pacemaker or Device Therapy
Some rhythm problems may require pacemaker or device evaluation.
Learn more about pacemaker and ICD care
Watchman / Left Atrial Appendage Closure Evaluation
For selected patients with AFib who are not good candidates for long-term blood thinners, left atrial appendage closure such as Watchman may be discussed. This should be evaluated carefully and only when clinically appropriate.
AFib and Arrhythmia Care With Dr. Zaka Khan
Dr. Zaka Khan is a Cardioclinic cardiologist specializing in cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular diseases. His clinical focus includes catheter ablation of complex arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia, as well as pacemaker and ICD therapy.
Dr. Zaka Khan provides heart rhythm evaluation and treatment for patients with AFib, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, SVT, ventricular tachycardia, and device-related rhythm concerns. His locations currently listed on the website include Richmond / Aliana, Fulshear, and Sugar Land. If he also sees AFib patients at Memorial City / Gessner, add that location after confirming scheduling.
AFib Treatment Near You
Cardioclinic serves patients across multiple Greater Houston and surrounding-area locations. Choose the location closest to you for AFib evaluation, rhythm monitoring, and follow-up care.
FAQs About AFib Treatment at Cardioclinic
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib, is an irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
What are common AFib symptoms?
AFib symptoms may include heart palpitations, racing heartbeat, fluttering heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest discomfort, weakness, or exercise intolerance. Some people may not notice symptoms.
How is AFib diagnosed?
AFib may be diagnosed with an EKG, Holter monitor, event monitor, echocardiogram, medical history, and physical exam.
Does Cardioclinic offer EKG testing for AFib?
Yes. EKG testing is commonly used to evaluate irregular heartbeat and may help detect AFib. Patients should call (346) 279-2221 to confirm availability at their preferred location.
Does Cardioclinic offer Holter monitoring for AFib?
Holter monitoring may be used to capture irregular heartbeats over a longer period. Patients should call to confirm availability and scheduling.
Can AFib increase stroke risk?
Yes. AFib can increase stroke risk, so stroke risk evaluation and prevention are important parts of AFib care.
Who treats AFib at Cardioclinic?
Dr. Zaka Khan is a Cardioclinic cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular disease specialist. His clinical focus includes atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, catheter ablation, pacemakers, and ICD care.
Does Cardioclinic offer ablation for AFib?
Dr. Zaka Khan’s provider page states that his clinical focus includes catheter ablation of complex arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Patients should call to confirm whether ablation evaluation is appropriate and where services are scheduled.
Does Cardioclinic offer Watchman evaluation for AFib?
Cardioclinic’s services page lists Watchman procedure as one of its cardiology services. Patients should call to confirm candidacy, location availability, and scheduling.
How do I schedule AFib treatment at Cardioclinic?
Patients can schedule an AFib evaluation by calling (346) 279-2221 or using the appointment link on the website.
Helpful AFib and Heart Rhythm Links
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, stroke symptoms, or a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026