| Risk Factors
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart's electrical system normally sends regularly spaced signals. These signals tell the heart muscle to contract or beat.
The heart has two upper chambers called atria. It also has two lower chambers called ventricles. Each signal starts in the atria and travels to the rest of the heart. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals from the atria are fast and irregular. The atria shake instead of contract. Some signals do not reach the ventricles and the ventricles continue pumping. This pumping is usually irregular and sometimes rapid. This rhythm can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood out to the body. Blood left in the heart chambers can form clots. These clots may sometimes break away and travel to the brain. This can cause
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In most cases, atrial fibrillation is due to an existing heart condition. Atrial fibrillation can also occur in people who do not have structural heart problems. A thyroid disorder or other condition may cause the abnormal rhythm. The cause of atrial fibrillation is sometimes unknown.
Atrial fibrillation is more common in men and in people aged 55 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chance of atrial fibrillation include:
- Family history of atrial fibrillation
Cardiovascular diseases, such as
high blood pressure
coronary artery disease
, heart valve disease,
, congenital heart disease, prior episode of atrial fibrillation
Lung diseases, such as
, blood clots in the lungs
Chronic conditions, such as
- Prescription medications to treat chronic conditions, such as opioids for pain relief
- Excessive use of stimulants like caffeine
- Physical and/or emotional stress
Symptoms can be mild to severe. This depends on your heart function and overall health. Some people may not notice any symptoms.
In those that have them, symptoms may include:
- Irregular or rapid pulse or heart beat
- Racing feeling in the chest
- A pounding feeling in the chest
- Lightheadedness, which can lead to fainting
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unable to exercise
The doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Listen to your heart with a stethoscope
You doctor will order blood tests to help diagnose the problem.
Imaging tests may include:
Electrical activity tests of your heart can be done with:
The goals of treatment are to:
- Return your heart to a regular rhythm.
- Keep your heart rate close to normal—In general, your resting rate should be between 60-80 beats per minute. It should be 90-115 beats per minute during moderate exercise.
- Prevent blood clots from forming.
Your doctor may find another condition that is causing atrial fibrillation. This condition may be treated. In some cases, heart rhythm problems return to normal without treatment.
Treatment options include:
Medications may be used to:
- Slow the heart rate
- Keep the heart in a regular rhythm
- Prevent clot formation
Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of atrial fibrillation episodes.
—This procedure uses an electrical current or drugs to help normalize the heart rhythm.
—An area of the heart that is responsible for atrial fibrillation may be surgically removed or altered.
creates a pattern of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart. This makes a pathway for electrical impulses to travel through the heart. It also blocks the pathway for fast or irregular impulses. The Maze procedure may also be performed as minimally invasive surgery (called
To help reduce your chance of atrial fibrillation:
- Avoid known triggers
regularly within your doctor's guidelines
- Control other chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes