Atrial Fibrillation
Also known as: AFib, A-Fib, AF
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by rapid, irregular beating of the heart's upper chambers (atria). The chaotic electrical signals cause the atria to quiver instead of contracting effectively, which can allow blood to pool and form clots. AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke and can contribute to heart failure if not properly managed.
Symptoms
Causes
- High blood pressure (most common cause)
- Heart valve disease
- Coronary artery disease or prior heart attack
- Hyperthyroidism
- Excessive alcohol consumption (holiday heart syndrome)
- Sleep apnea
Risk Factors
- Age 65 and older
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- European ancestry
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Heavy alcohol use or binge drinking
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) showing absence of P waves and irregular R-R intervals
- Holter monitor or event recorder for intermittent episodes
- Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
- Blood tests (thyroid function, electrolytes, coagulation)
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to check for blood clots
Treatment
- Anticoagulant therapy (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) to prevent stroke
- Rate control medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin)
- Rhythm control medications (amiodarone, flecainide, sotalol)
- Electrical cardioversion to reset heart rhythm
- Catheter ablation to eliminate abnormal electrical pathways
- Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure through medication and lifestyle
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Treat sleep apnea if present
- Exercise regularly at moderate intensity
When to See a Doctor
- You feel a rapid, irregular heartbeat lasting more than a few minutes
- You experience unexplained dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath
- You have chest pain with an irregular heartbeat—seek emergency care
- You develop sudden weakness or difficulty speaking (signs of stroke)—call 911
Frequently Asked Questions
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