Heart & Cardiovascular
Atrial Fibrillation
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow to the body. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles).
Common Symptoms
- Palpitations (a racing, pounding, or fluttering heart)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or pressure
- Weakness
- Fainting
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, review of medical history, and an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart. Other tests, such as a Holter monitor (a portable ECG device worn for a day or more) or an event recorder, may be used to detect intermittent AFib.
Causes
AFib can be caused by various factors, including underlying heart conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or heart valve problems. Other potential contributors may include thyroid disease, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, sleep apnea, and certain lung diseases.
Treatment Overview
Management strategies for AFib may include medications to control heart rate and rhythm, as well as blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke. Procedures such as cardioversion to reset the heart's rhythm, or catheter ablation to target areas causing irregular signals, are also options. Some individuals explore complementary approaches like yoga or acupuncture, although these are typically used alongside conventional medical care and their direct impact on AFib is still being studied.
Prognosis & Outlook
The prognosis for individuals with AFib can vary depending on its cause, severity, and the presence of other medical conditions. With appropriate management, many people can live full lives, though AFib is associated with an increased risk of stroke and other heart-related complications.
Types & Variants
Paroxysmal AFib
Episodes come and go, usually lasting from a few minutes to several hours and stopping on their own. They may last up to a week.
Persistent AFib
The irregular rhythm lasts for more than a week and requires medical treatment, such as medication or electrical cardioversion, to restore a normal rhythm.
Long-standing Persistent AFib
The heart rhythm is continuously irregular for more than 12 months.
Permanent AFib
The irregular heart rhythm is constant, and you and your doctor have decided not to continue trying to restore a normal rhythm.
Journey insights for Atrial Fibrillation will appear here once contributor stories have been shared and analyzed.
Stories (0)
Real journeys shared by contributors
No published stories yet for this condition — yours could be the first.
Have a story about Atrial Fibrillation?
Your documented recovery could inspire thousands. Share your journey with proof and join our growing archive of recoveries.
Start Your Submission