What your doctor can do:

• Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, an echocardiogram (non-invasive, painless test that uses sound waves to record heart valve activity) and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG, noninvasive, painless test that records electrical activity of the heart).
• Medications for controlling the rhythm and medicine to thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Some medications will require you to have periodic blood tests done to check that you are getting the correct dose. It may take time to find the medication or combination of medications that work best for you.
• Sometimes medication cannot help. In these cases, a controlled electric shock may be given to attempt conversion to a regular rhythm.