Learn the Causes
What is Persistent AFib?
Persistent AFib is a type of AFib that is more complex and can be challenging to treat. Persistent AFib is an irregular heartbeat that lasts for more than seven days.5 When AFib continues, it can become even more difficult to manage, increasing the risk of complications and significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life.6,7,8
As AFib stages progress, there are different symptoms someone may experience based on the duration.9
Paroxysmal
Stops spontaneously or with intervention within 7 days of the onset.
Persistent
Symptoms last beyond 7 days but is less than 12 months in duration.
Long-Standing Persistent
Symptoms last beyond 12 months.
Learn the Causes
Why is Persistent AFib So Difficult to Treat?
The longer AFib persists, the more difficult it can be to restore normal rhythm. Over time, the heart’s electrical signals become more chaotic, making treatment more complex .10,11 For patients who have undergone multiple treatments, previous interventions—such as ablation or medication—may become less effective due to changes in the heart’s electrical patterns.12 This is why treating persistent AFib requires a highly precise approach, tailored to each patient’s unique condition.

Treatment Options
What is Catheter Ablation?
Catheter ablation is a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition where the heart beats irregularly and too fast. Here’s an easy explanation:
Doctors use thin tubes, called catheters, which are gently inserted into a vein, usually in the groin, and guided to your heart. Once there, they use energy, like heat or cold, to create tiny scars in specific areas of the heart. These scars block the faulty electrical signals causing your irregular heartbeat, allowing your heart to beat normally again.13,14,15
The procedure is minimally invasive and often done when medications don’t work or cause side effects. It can take a few hours, and some patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital. While it’s generally safe, AFib can sometimes return, and additional treatments might be needed.14,16,17

Smarter Solutions
How AI is Transforming AFib Treatment
Treating persistent AFib requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. AI technology is revolutionizing ablation procedures by providing real-time insights that enhance precision.
Traditional ablation methods rely heavily on physician experience or a more prescriptive one-size-fits all approach. Now, AI technology can analyze vast amounts of patient-specific data, recognizing patterns that might otherwise be missed. This personalized approach is particularly powerful for persistent AFib patients, whose unique electrical patterns make treatment more complex.
By leveraging AI, the future of AFib treatment is moving toward greater precision, efficiency, and success—offering new hope to patients who have struggled with AFib.

Expert Guidance
Connect with local AFib specialists who are ready to help.
You don’t have to face AFib alone. Our Provider Finder makes it easy to locate professionals who are experienced with our technology—so you can feel confident you’re getting the care you deserve.

- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16765-atrial-fibrillation-afib
- https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/atrial-fibrillation-when-heart-palpitations-are-cause-concern
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23446-persistent-atrial-fibrillation
- https://afibinstitute.com.au/understanding-the-phases-of-atrial-fibrillation-factors-that-drive-progression-from-paroxysmal-to-permanent-atrial-fibrillation/
- https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circoutcomes.114.001303
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-are-the-symptoms-of-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23446-persistent-atrial-fibrillation
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10460603/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9123241/
- https://nyulangone.org/conditions/atrial-fibrillation-atrial-flutter/treatments/catheter-ablation-for-atrial-fibrillation-atrial-flutter
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention–treatment-of-arrhythmia/ablation-for-arrhythmias
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/atrial-fibrillation-ablation/about/pac-20384969
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4294145/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation