Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. Atrial fibrillation symptoms often include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.
Episodes of atrial fibrillation may come and go, or you may develop atrial fibrillation that doesn’t go away and may require treatment. Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn’t life-threatening, it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment.
A major concern with atrial fibrillation is the potential to develop blood clots within the upper chambers of the heart. These blood clots forming in the heart may circulate to other organs and lead to blocked blood flow (ischemia).
*Source: American Heart Association
Still have questions?
There are several symptoms associated with AFib which include palpitations, lightheadedness, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain and irregular heartbeat. Some people with AFib may not experience any symptoms.
The major risks for AFib include advanced age, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart surgery, moderate to heavy alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, ischemic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and structural heart disease.
Prolonged atrial fibrillation causes the blood within the upper chamber of the left heart to become stagnant. A blood clot develops inside this chamber and it is then pumped out of the heart into the rest of the body. If the blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain then a stroke occurs. Blood-thinning medicine to prevent blood clots from forming and reduce stroke risk is an essential component of the AFib management strategy.
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