What is atrial fibrillation or AFib?

Health visitor and a senior man during home visit. A female nurse or a doctor examining a man.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart condition that occurs when the heart beats irregularly with irregular rate and rhythm. 

 

The heart has four chambers, two upper called atria, and two lower chambers called ventricles. In AFib, blood doesn’t flow as well between the chambers due to the irregular heartbeat. lack of coordination between the upper and the lower chambers and the decrease contraction of the upper chambers.  

Symptoms of AFib

AFib can occur suddenly or exist as a chronic condition. Many people have no symptoms.  Those experiencing symptoms may include:

 

  • Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding)
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Short of breath
  • Dizziness

Risk Factors

Risk factors for AFib resemble many of the risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heavy alcohol use and smoking. Risk increases with age.

 

Patients diagnosed with AFib are at a higher risk for stroke because of a greater likelihood of blood clotting or pooling in the upper chamber.

 

AFib can lead to hospitalization, stroke, and even death if left untreated.

In case of a medical emergency, please seek emergency care

 

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af

Atrial Fibrillation (Afib); Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)

Atrial fibrillation - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic