Heart racing. A flutter in your chest that comes and goes without warning. A rhythm that just does not feel right. If this sounds familiar, it is worth taking seriously. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) affects more than 6 million Americans (opens in new tab) and is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. Beyond the symptoms, AFib significantly raises your risk of stroke and can wear on your quality of life over time.
Menachem Wakslak, MD, is a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist who leads Valley Heart & Rhythm in Tarzana, CA. With more than a decade of subspecialty experience treating AFib throughout the San Fernando Valley, his approach is direct: the right treatment for the right patient, every time.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
AFib happens when electrical signals in the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) become chaotic and disorganized, causing your heart to beat irregularly and often too fast. Common symptoms include:
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Palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest
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Fatigue or unusual lack of energy
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Chest discomfort
Some people have no symptoms at all. AFib can be occasional (paroxysmal), persistent, or long-standing. Identifying which type you have is essential to finding the most effective treatment approach.
AFib Treatment Options
There is no single AFib treatment that works for everyone. Your options depend on your symptoms, the type of AFib you have, and your overall health. Common approaches include:
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Medications: To control heart rate or rhythm and reduce stroke risk with blood thinners
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Cardioversion: A procedure that resets the heart to a normal rhythm using electrical energy or medication
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Catheter Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that targets and eliminates the abnormal electrical signals driving AFib. Dr. Wakslak performs both radiofrequency and pulsed-field ablation, including fluoroless techniques that reduce radiation exposure.
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Risk Factor Management: Treating underlying conditions like high blood pressure or sleep apnea to improve long-term AFib control
Not every AFib patient needs an ablation, and not every patient who needs one is offered it elsewhere. Every recommendation at Valley Heart & Rhythm is built around you, not a standard checklist.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The right AFib treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, and what matters most to you. Dr. Wakslak takes the time to explain your options, discuss their benefits and risks, and help you make an informed decision. Together, you’ll build a plan that addresses your heart health and fits your life.
What to Expect
Care at Valley Heart & Rhythm starts with a one-on-one consultation. Dr. Wakslak takes the time to understand your symptoms, your story, and your goals before any treatment is discussed. If catheter ablation is the right path, It is performed using state of the art techniques and most patients return to normal activities within week.
Dr. Wakslak and his team remain closely involved after treatment, including remote monitoring when appropriate, to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Why Choose Valley Heart & Rhythm for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in Tarzana, CA?
Dr. Wakslak has been caring for patients in the San Fernando Valley since 2012, and he built Valley Heart & Rhythm to operate differently from high-volume cardiology practices. Every clinical decision comes back to one physician who knows your complete picture. There are no rotating providers, no handoffs, and no anonymous consultations.
Dr. Wakslak and his team know patients by name and treat them accordingly. His training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and his cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center give him the subspecialty depth to handle complex cases, while his practice model ensures that care never feels rushed or impersonal. At Valley Heart & Rhythm, advanced technology serves the relationship, not the other way around.
Clear Answers. A Plan That Fits Your Life.
Living with AFib does not have to mean living without answers. With an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your life, real improvement is possible. Call Valley Heart & Rhythm at (818) 724-8000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wakslak at our Tarzana, CA office.
