Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia, which means your heart has an abnormal heartbeat or rhythm.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heartbeat, known as an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). It’s the most common heart rhythm problem.
Some people with AF might also have a similar condition called atrial flutter. Treatments for AF and atrial flutter are usually very similar.
Some people have AF that comes and goes, while for others, it might be there all the time.
AF usually isn’t life-threatening, but it’s important to treat it to help prevent strokes and other health problems.
In AF, the top chambers of your heart (the atria) beat very fast and irregularly, so they don’t work in sync with the bottom chambers (the ventricles). This means the heart doesn't always pump all the blood out, which can let blood clots form. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
Having AF increases your risk of stroke, and it can also raise the risk of heart failure and other heart problems.
The good news is there are many ways to treat AF.
Some people might need medicine, a procedure, or even surgery to help stop the irregular heartbeat.
Others can manage their AF with medicine and by keeping their heart healthy with lifestyle changes.
What causes it?
AF happens when the electrical signals that control your heartbeat become irregular or out of sync. This makes the upper parts of your heart beat unevenly or very fast.
Treatment for AF may include taking medicine, special therapies to gently reset your heart’s rhythm, or procedures to stop the irregular signals.
Many people can manage their AF with medicine and by keeping their heart healthy through lifestyle changes.
Others may need a procedure, or even surgery, to help stop the irregular heartbeat.
If you have sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, or other heart problems, your risk of getting AF is higher.
What are the symptoms?
Remember, symptoms can be different for everyone, and some people might not notice anything until their pulse is checked.
Common symptoms can include:
- a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat can feel scary or strange
- shortness of breath, light-headed, or dizzy
These symptoms can come on suddenly and may go away on their own, or they might last longer.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose AF, your pulse will be checked to see if it’s regular.
Your doctor or nurse can help with this or teach you how to check your own pulse.
If your heartbeat isn’t regular, you might have a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) to look for AF.
If your symptoms come and go, your doctor might recommend a special monitor to check your heart over time.