Atrial Fibrillation

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is a prevalent heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats originating from the heart's upper chambers (atria). Contrary to a heart murmur, which indicates abnormal sounds during a heartbeat, AFib disrupts the heart's rhythm, potentially leading to complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Causes and Risk Factors

AFib can develop in individuals of any age, but its prevalence increases with age. Several factors contribute to its occurrence, including high blood pressure, underlying heart conditions, excessive alcohol consumption (particularly binge drinking), family history, sleep apnea, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and asthma.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of AFib can vary widely among individuals and may include palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, and, in some cases, no symptoms at all. It's essential to note that chest pain or pressure, typically associated with a heart attack, may not be a common symptom of AFib itself.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing AFib involves a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination, review of medical history, and specialized tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, event monitoring, or echocardiogram to confirm the irregular heart rhythm. Treatment aims to control heart rate, restore normal heart rhythm, and prevent complications such as stroke. This may involve lifestyle modifications, medications (such as anticoagulants, rate-control, and rhythm-control drugs), and procedures like cardioversion or catheter ablation.