What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (say "AY-tree-uhl fih-bruh-LAY-shun") is a common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Normally, the heart beats in a regular, steady rhythm. In atrial fibrillation, a problem with the heart's electrical system causes the two upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) to quiver, or fibrillate.
An episode of atrial fibrillation is not usually dangerous. But this condition can lead to problems. This is because blood can collect, or pool, in your heart if the heartbeat isn't regular and steady. And pooled blood is more likely to form clots. Clots can travel to the brain, block blood flow, and cause a stroke. Atrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure.
This condition also upsets the normal rhythm between the atria and the lower chambers of the heart. (These chambers are called the ventricles.) The ventricles may beat fast and without a regular rhythm.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
Some people feel symptoms when they have episodes of atrial fibrillation. But other people don't notice any symptoms.
If you have symptoms, you may feel:
- A fluttering, racing, or pounding feeling in your chest called palpitations.
- Weak or tired.
- Dizzy or lightheaded.
- Short of breath.
- Chest pain.
You may notice signs of atrial fibrillation when you check your pulse. Your pulse may seem uneven or fast.
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
To check for atrial fibrillation, you will have an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG checks for problems with the heart's electrical activity.
Your doctor will probably ask questions about your past health and do a physical exam.
Other tests include:
- Ambulatory electrocardiogram.
- A device records the electrical activity of your heart while you do your usual activities. You may have this test if your doctor suspects that you have atrial fibrillation that comes and goes.
- Electrophysiology (EP) study.
- This test may be done to look for a problem with your heartbeat. A doctor may fix the problem too.
- Echocardiogram.
- This test may be used to check for other heart problems. These include valve problems and heart failure.
- A blood test.
- You may have a blood test to check for hyperthyroidism.
Some people use wearable devices or smartphone devices to check their heart rate and rhythm. The results need to be confirmed by a doctor.
How is atrial fibrillation treated?
Treatments can help you feel better and prevent future problems, especially stroke and heart failure.
Your treatment may depend on the cause of your atrial fibrillation, your symptoms, your risk for stroke, and your preferences. Types of treatment include:
- Heart rate treatment. Medicine may be used to slow your heart rate. Your heartbeat may still be irregular. But these medicines keep your heart from beating too fast. They may also help relieve symptoms.
- Heart rhythm treatment. Different treatments may be used to try to stop atrial fibrillation and keep it from returning. They can also relieve symptoms. These treatments include:
- Medicine.
- Electrical cardioversion to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm.
- A procedure called catheter ablation.
- Heart surgery.
- Stroke prevention. You and your doctor can decide how to lower your risk. You may decide to take a blood-thinning medicine called an anticoagulant.
How can you care for yourself when you have atrial fibrillation?
Many people are able to live full and active lives with atrial fibrillation.
- Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Eat heart-healthy foods, be active, stay at a weight that is healthy for you, and get enough sleep. Try to quit or cut back on smoking. This lifestyle may help reduce how often you have episodes of atrial fibrillation. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve symptoms.
- Take medicine properly and safely.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. If you take a blood thinner, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely.
- Manage other health problems.
- Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of sleep apnea. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
- Manage symptoms.
- Work with your doctor to treat your symptoms and make an action plan for episodes.
Atrial fibrillation: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
- You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or increased shortness of breath.
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have an episode of atrial fibrillation and your doctor wants you to call when you have one.
- You have new or worse symptoms.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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