India, Oct. 12 -- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world and the leading cardiac cause of emergency hospitalisations. In India, AF used to be primarily caused by rheumatic heart disease. However, it is now increasingly linked to factors like obesity, hypertension and diabetes, and impacts people across the socioeconomic spectrum.

AF can cause symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness and chest pain. Even without symptoms, it significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. If untreated, it can shorten life expectancy by 5 to 10 years. It is not a benign condition.

The Role of Catheter Ablation

Historically, AF was treated with medications with even potential toxic side effects in...