Overview
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem in which the upper chambers of the heart beat in a disorganized way. This can make the pulse feel uneven, too fast, or both. AFib may come and go, last for long periods, or be ongoing. Even when symptoms are mild, it can still lead to serious complications such as stroke.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include a racing, fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. Some people notice tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, reduced ability to exercise, chest discomfort, or weakness. Others do not feel any symptoms at all, and AFib is found during a routine exam or test.
Causes and Risk Factors
AFib can happen when the heart's electrical signals become disorganized. Risk rises with older age, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, heart failure, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and lung disease. Heavy alcohol use, smoking, serious infections, and major surgery can also trigger episodes in some people.
Who Is Affected
AFib can affect adults of many backgrounds, but it becomes more common with age. People with other heart or blood vessel conditions are more likely to develop it. It can also occur in younger adults, especially if there are underlying medical conditions, stimulant use, or inherited heart rhythm problems.
Prevention
Not every case can be prevented, but lowering cardiovascular risk may help. Managing blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and thyroid disease is important. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular medical care may reduce risk or help prevent episodes from becoming more frequent.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may check your pulse, listen to your heart, and ask about symptoms and medical history. AFib is usually confirmed with an electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG. Other tests may include heart rhythm monitoring, blood tests, an echocardiogram, and imaging or other studies to look for causes and complications.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on symptoms, stroke risk, overall health, and whether AFib is new, occasional, or ongoing. Care may include medicines to lower stroke risk, medicines to slow the heart rate, treatments to try to restore or maintain a normal rhythm, or procedures such as cardioversion or catheter ablation. Treating related conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart failure is also an important part of care.
Living With It
AFib often needs ongoing follow-up because symptoms and risks can change over time. Keeping track of episodes, pulse changes, triggers, and new symptoms can help guide care. If you are given a treatment plan, regular check-ins and taking medicines exactly as directed by your clinician are important.
Diet and Lifestyle
A heart-healthy lifestyle can support overall cardiovascular health. Many people are advised to focus on balanced eating patterns, regular physical activity, good sleep, and limiting alcohol. Because some over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, stimulants, or energy drinks may affect heart rhythm or interact with treatment, ask a pharmacist or clinician before using them.
When to Seek Medical Care
Arrange medical care if you notice a new irregular heartbeat, frequent palpitations, unexplained shortness of breath, fainting, strong fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance. You should also seek care if a known AFib pattern changes, symptoms are getting worse, or you have concerns about your treatment or possible side effects.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent help right away if you have chest pain, severe trouble breathing, fainting, signs of stroke, or symptoms of shock. Stroke warning signs include sudden face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, sudden confusion, sudden vision changes, or sudden trouble walking. Do not try to drive yourself if symptoms are severe or stroke is suspected.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask what may be causing your AFib, what tests are needed, and how your stroke risk is being assessed. Other useful questions include whether your treatment aims to control rate, control rhythm, or both, and what warning signs should prompt urgent care. You can also ask how exercise, alcohol, travel, sleep apnea, and other health conditions may affect your condition.