Patient education: Atrial fibrillation (The Basics)

What is atrial fibrillation? — 

Atrial fibrillation, or "A-fib," is the most common heart rhythm problem. It can put you at risk of stroke and other problems, as well as death.

The top 2 chambers of the heart are called the "atria." They pump blood into the larger bottom chambers, which pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. In A-fib, the heart beats abnormally and the top chambers stop pumping blood as strongly as normal (figure 1). When this happens, the blood can form clots. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

What are the symptoms of A-fib? — 

Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include:

●Feeling like your heart is racing, skipping beats, or beating out of sync

●Mild chest "tightness" or pain

●Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or like you might pass out

●Having trouble breathing, especially with exercise

Is there a test for A-fib? — 

Yes. If your doctor or nurse thinks that you might have A-fib, they will probably do a test called an electrocardiogram, or "ECG." This records the electrical activity in your heart.

How long does A-fib last? — 

In some people, A-fib comes and goes, even without treatment. In others, A-fib never goes away.

If you have a normal heart rhythm now, ask your doctor what you can do to keep A-fib from starting or from coming back.

How can I try to prevent getting A-fib? — 

You might be able to lower your chances of getting A-fib, either for the first time or again. You should:

●Control your blood pressure.

●Avoid or limit alcohol.

●Get regular exercise.

●Try to lose weight, if you have excess body weight.

●Quit smoking, if you smoke.

●Get treatment for overactive thyroid, if you have it.

How is A-fib treated? — 

In some cases, A-fib goes away on its own, even without treatment. But many people do need treatment.

Treatment can include 1 or more of the following:

●Medicines to change your heart rhythm back to normal, or control the speed of your heartbeat

●Medicines to prevent clots from forming

●Cardioversion – The doctor applies an electrical shock to your heart to fix its rhythm.

●Ablation – The doctor uses energy to destroy the small part of heart tissue that is carrying abnormal electrical signals.

What will my life be like? — 

Most people with A-fib can live fairly normal lives. Still, it is important to take your medicines every day, as prescribed by your doctor. This helps lower the chances that your A-fib will cause a stroke. Even so, learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke (figure 2).

More on this topic

Patient education: Atrial fibrillation – Discharge instructions (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure and atrial fibrillation (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for atrial fibrillation (The Basics)
Patient education: Atrial flutter (The Basics)
Patient education: ECG and stress test (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking oral medicines for blood clots (The Basics)
Patient education: Catheter ablation for the heart (The Basics)
Patient education: Stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Ambulatory heart monitoring (The Basics)
Patient education: Cardioversion (The Basics)
Patient education: Overview of heart arrhythmias (The Basics)

Patient education: Atrial fibrillation (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Catheter ablation for abnormal heartbeats (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Cardioversion (Beyond the Basics)