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Atrial fibrillation

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute.

This can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.

You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes.

Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and a person who has it is completely unaware that their heart rate is irregular.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

When the heart beats normally, its muscular walls tighten and squeeze (contract) to force blood out and around the body.

They then relax so the heart can fill with blood again. This process is repeated every time the heart beats.

In atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers (atria) contract randomly and sometimes so fast that the heart muscle cannot relax properly between contractions. This reduces the heart's efficiency and performance.

Atrial fibrillation happens when abnormal electrical impulses suddenly start firing in the atria.

These impulses override the heart's natural pacemaker, which can no longer control the rhythm of the heart. This causes you to have a highly irregular pulse rate.

The cause is not fully understood, but it tends to affect certain groups of people, such as older people and people living with long-term (chronic) conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or obesity.

It may be triggered by certain situations, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking.

Atrial fibrillation can be defined in various ways, depending on the degree to which it affects you.

For example:

  • paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – episodes come and go, and usually stop within 48 hours without any treatment
  • persistent atrial fibrillation – each episode lasts for longer than 7 days (or less when it's treated)
  • permanent atrial fibrillation – when it's present all the time
  • long-standing atrial fibrillation – where you've had atrial fibrillation usually for over a year

Treating atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is not usually life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and often requires treatment.

Treatment may involve: 

  • medicines to prevent a stroke (people with atrial fibrillation are more at risk of having a stroke)
  • medicines to control the heart rate or rhythm
  • cardioversion – where the heart is given a controlled electric shock to restore normal rhythm
  • catheter ablation – where the area inside the heart that's causing the abnormal heart rhythm is destroyed using radiofrequency energy; afterwards you may then need to have a pacemaker fitted to help your heart beat regularly

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Treatments for atrial fibrillation include medicines to control your heartbeat and thin your blood.

It's not clear what causes atrial fibrillation, but it's common in people with other heart conditions.

Related links

Atrial fibrillation

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Complications

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10,894 public posts

Atrial Fibrillation.

Hi I have had atrial flutter followed by a atrial fibrillation for approx 4 years. Medication I have tried has not been helpful and I take only an anticoagulant every day.
Hi I have had atrial flutter followed by a atrial fibrillation for approx 4 years. Medication I have tried has not been helpful and I take only an anticoagulant every day.
Hilianna profile image
Hilianna
in AF Association
1 month ago

Paroxymal Atrial Fibrillation

I was diagnosed with paroxymal AF in 2017 I was given 1.25mg Bisoprolol to start with and then in time, I gravitated to 5mg. Since last month the af went out of sync, I am now on 7.5mg Bisoprolol and the increased dose has not been helping greatly. On the 14/11 I had to go to A&E as I had chest pain.
I was diagnosed with paroxymal AF in 2017 I was given 1.25mg Bisoprolol to start with and then in time, I gravitated to 5mg. Since last month the af went out of sync, I am now on 7.5mg Bisoprolol and the increased dose has not been helping greatly. On the 14/11 I had to go to A&E as I had chest pain.
Morningrose profile image
Morningrose
in Arrhythmia Alliance
1 month ago

Persistent atrial fibrillation

I have now been in persistent afib for almost 3 months and have yet to receive a consultants appointment though have received an appointment with a cardionurse on the 28th December!!! I have been self administering (what alternative) and apart from Edoxaban 30mg which I was prescribed by my GP in February
I have now been in persistent afib for almost 3 months and have yet to receive a consultants appointment though have received an appointment with a cardionurse on the 28th December!!! I have been self administering (what alternative) and apart from Edoxaban 30mg which I was prescribed by my GP in February
Swimsyroke profile image
Swimsyroke
in AF Association
3 months ago
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ATRIAL FIBRILLATION & PMR

After a long, uncomfortable night in the assessment dept of my local hospital I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, essentially an irregular heart rhythm which can be very very fast. Felt sick and faint out on a walk earlier, and didn’t get better as time went on.
After a long, uncomfortable night in the assessment dept of my local hospital I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, essentially an irregular heart rhythm which can be very very fast. Felt sick and faint out on a walk earlier, and didn’t get better as time went on.
Sanekate profile image
Sanekate
in PMRGCAuk
4 months ago

Early ablation better at preventing AF progression than drug therapy

src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=181644BG&impID=4857392&faf=1"CHICAGO – Early ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFib) reduces the risk of progression, compared with antiarrhythmic therapies, according to results of a multicenter, randomized trial called PROGRESSIVE-AF."
src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=181644BG&impID=4857392&faf=1"CHICAGO – Early ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFib) reduces the risk of progression, compared with antiarrhythmic therapies, according to results of a multicenter, randomized trial called PROGRESSIVE-AF."
Bagrat profile image
Bagrat
in AF Association
3 months ago

Stroke Prevention Day

This year we’re raising awareness of atrial fibrillation, which contributes to one in five strokes. Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is an irregular heartbeat. If you’ve had a stroke, you should have been tested for AF as part of your stroke care.
This year we’re raising awareness of atrial fibrillation, which contributes to one in five strokes. Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is an irregular heartbeat. If you’ve had a stroke, you should have been tested for AF as part of your stroke care.
john-boy-92 profile image
john-boy-92
in AF Association
24 days ago

New 2 atrial fibrillation

New to atrial fibrillation. Heart catheter was great! No issues with echocardiogram. Have tried meds & cardio version so far scheduled for ablation in November soonest appointment
New to atrial fibrillation. Heart catheter was great! No issues with echocardiogram. Have tried meds & cardio version so far scheduled for ablation in November soonest appointment
FromNY profile image
FromNY
in AF Association
5 months ago

Atrial fibrillation diagnosis

Then yesterday felt really unwell high heart rate for 12 hours of Atrial fibrillation Could this be caused by Graves? Thanks in advance for any input. Just when you think life is getting better!!
Then yesterday felt really unwell high heart rate for 12 hours of Atrial fibrillation Could this be caused by Graves? Thanks in advance for any input. Just when you think life is getting better!!
Michellear profile image
Michellear
in Thyroid UK
6 months ago

Do you or a member of your family have or been diagnosed with AF?

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, affecting many individuals around the world, if you would like to find out more about the latest developments in the management of AF and Atrial Flutter.
Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, affecting many individuals around the world, if you would like to find out more about the latest developments in the management of AF and Atrial Flutter.
TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdmin
ArrhythmiaAlliancein Arrhythmia Alliance
3 months ago

How long does Bisoprolol take to work

Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation just this weekend, 19 hours in hospital assessment unit, & treatment with Bisoprolol (10mg). Am on 10mg daily now, and have taken today's. Heart is still way too fast though - 90-110 resting. Any idea when it should revert to normal? This is scaring meThank you.
Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation just this weekend, 19 hours in hospital assessment unit, & treatment with Bisoprolol (10mg). Am on 10mg daily now, and have taken today's. Heart is still way too fast though - 90-110 resting. Any idea when it should revert to normal? This is scaring meThank you.
Sanekate profile image
Sanekate
in Arrhythmia Alliance
4 months ago

Do you or a member of your family been diagnosed with AF?

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, affecting many individuals around the world, if you would like to find out more about the latest developments in the management of AF and Atrial Flutter.
Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, affecting many individuals around the world, if you would like to find out more about the latest developments in the management of AF and Atrial Flutter.
TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdmin
Partnerin AF Association
3 months ago

Can you help with this Kardia ECG strip please? Kardia say it is sinus rhythm but I’m not so sure

I wonder if it is slow atrial flutter or heart block. I have had permanent atrial fibrillation for years after ultimately unsuccessful ablations.
I wonder if it is slow atrial flutter or heart block. I have had permanent atrial fibrillation for years after ultimately unsuccessful ablations.
Bill64 profile image
Bill64
in AF Association
6 days ago

Need clarification .............

Can one of you or any of you clarify something for me ............ does or can atrial fibrillation progress/ convert into ventricular fibrillation or are they both stand alone health issues ?
Can one of you or any of you clarify something for me ............ does or can atrial fibrillation progress/ convert into ventricular fibrillation or are they both stand alone health issues ?
carneuny profile image
carneuny
in AF Association
2 months ago

Flutter 7 Days after Typical Flutter Ablation

Another is that the heart is still irritated from the ablation, however from what I've read, there is no "blanking period" after an aflutter ablation, like there is with a ablation for atrial fibrillation where arrhythmia's for the first few months don't really count. Jim
Another is that the heart is still irritated from the ablation, however from what I've read, there is no "blanking period" after an aflutter ablation, like there is with a ablation for atrial fibrillation where arrhythmia's for the first few months don't really count. Jim
mjames1 profile image
mjames1
in AF Association
1 month ago

Clarification needed regarding the abbreviation "PAF"

My first thought was that it means what I myself have been diagnosed as having: "permanent atrial fibrillation." But then on second thought it occurred to me: No, maybe it stands for "paroxysmal a-fib." On third thought: Maybe it means "persistent a-fib." Which one is it? Thanks!
My first thought was that it means what I myself have been diagnosed as having: "permanent atrial fibrillation." But then on second thought it occurred to me: No, maybe it stands for "paroxysmal a-fib." On third thought: Maybe it means "persistent a-fib." Which one is it? Thanks!
GeorgeStevens profile image
GeorgeStevens
in AF Association
4 months ago

Grateful for any Feedback on PVI Ablation Please

Hi, My background is:- Developed Atrial Fibrillation in November 2021 (persistent from day 1).
Hi, My background is:- Developed Atrial Fibrillation in November 2021 (persistent from day 1).
DenBoy70 profile image
DenBoy70
in AF Association
3 months ago

Do you live in the US? It is your last chance to Preserve Critical Catheter Ablation Access for AFIB Patients

Already 1 out 10 people have atrial fibrillation, making atrial fibrillation more prevalent that all cancers combined!
Already 1 out 10 people have atrial fibrillation, making atrial fibrillation more prevalent that all cancers combined!
TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdmin
Partnerin AF Association
4 months ago

Do you live in the US? It is your last chance to Preserve Critical Catheter Ablation Access for AFIB Patients

Already 1 out 10 people have atrial fibrillation, making atrial fibrillation more prevalent that all cancers combined!
Already 1 out 10 people have atrial fibrillation, making atrial fibrillation more prevalent that all cancers combined!
TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdmin
ArrhythmiaAlliancein Arrhythmia Alliance
4 months ago

Cardio training with Afib

I was diagnosed by a cardiologist with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation three years ago.  My condition stabilized after being prescribed Flecainide, Apixaban and Rosuvastatin (the latter as a preventative to lower cholesterol).  
I was diagnosed by a cardiologist with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation three years ago.  My condition stabilized after being prescribed Flecainide, Apixaban and Rosuvastatin (the latter as a preventative to lower cholesterol).  
Winnipegsculler profile image
Winnipegsculler
in AF Association
1 month ago

”Aggressive” AF

Does anybody on here have experience or encouraging stories about Atrial Fibrillation especially the aggressive kind. I'm 43 and diagnosed with AF in March '21. I've had a cardioversion, 2 ablations in the upper chamber and 1 ablation in a lower chamber.
Does anybody on here have experience or encouraging stories about Atrial Fibrillation especially the aggressive kind. I'm 43 and diagnosed with AF in March '21. I've had a cardioversion, 2 ablations in the upper chamber and 1 ablation in a lower chamber.
BeeBee79 profile image
BeeBee79
in AF Association
2 months ago
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