A racing heart that results from an emotional outburst, a multi-mile run or even a large cup of coffee usually isn’t cause for concern, but a pattern of abnormal heart rhythms called atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, can lead to serious complications.
A-fib is a potentially serious condition marked by an irregular, often rapid heartbeat, which requires timely treatment to prevent complications including blood clots, stroke and heart failure. A-fib is considered the most common type of heart arrhythmia, and the American Heart Association projects that the condition will affect more than 12 million people in the U.S. by 2030.
With A-fib, the upper chambers of the heart, or atria, beat irregularly. The irregular heartbeat does not pump enough blood out of the atria, causing blood to pool in that area. Pooled blood raises the risk of dangerous clots and stroke. Left untreated, A-fib doubles the risk of heart-related death and increases the risk of stroke five times, according to the American Heart Association. Without early intervention, A-fib can progress, becoming more sustained over time, potentially resulting in a higher rate of cardiovascular admissions, heart failure and mortality, along with a reduced quality of life.
Traditionally, A-fib has been treated with the use of thermal energy through cryoablation, or freezing, or radiofrequency ablation with heat. In February 2024, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital introduced pulsed field ablation, the first hospital to do so in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and one of the first in the nation. It provided patients the option to have a nonthermal form of ablation.
According to Dr. An Barry Bui, electrophysiologist and director of cardiac electrophysiology for Bon Secours Richmond, the procedure delivers pulsed electrical fields through an ablation catheter to selectively target cardiac cells to interrupt irregular electrical pathways in the heart that trigger A-fib.
In September of 2025, the hospital achieved another first by introducing the Affera Mapping and Ablation System, which is a first-of-its-kind, all-in-one high-density mapping and dual-energy ablation catheter that combines pulsed field and radiofrequency energies. It is designed for the treatment of persistent A-fib. “By integrating mapping, ablation and validation into a single catheter,” Dr. Bui said, “the system allows physicians to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs, while prioritizing safety and improving procedural efficiency.”
Individuals can stay abreast of any potential heart issues with annual physical exams and blood tests, as well as with smart watches and fitness trackers that monitor heart rate and detect irregular rhythms. Age, family history and certain medical conditions such as heart disease or hypertension can increase the A-fib risk. The condition can sometimes be asymptomatic, so regular screenings and checkups with a healthcare professional are recommended.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, managing stress and addressing sleep issues can significantly reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of complications, but they can’t take the place of medication or procedures recommended by a doctor.
If you or someone you know has A-fib, learn more about treatment by visiting bonsecours.com/richmond-afib. Bon Secours operates hospitals and medical centers throughout the Richmond area.
