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Atrial Fibrillation
Urgent
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm caused by disorganized electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart. The irregular rhythm can reduce efficient heart function and increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. It may occur with heart or other medical conditions, although sometimes no specific cause is identified.
Body System
Heart & Blood Vessels
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention for a very rapid or irregular heartbeat accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or severe weakness. Sudden weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, or other signs of stroke require emergency care.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm caused by disorganized electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart. The irregular rhythm can reduce efficient heart function and increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. It may occur with heart or other medical conditions, although sometimes no specific cause is identified.
Symptoms 3
Dizziness
High Blood Pressure
Strong Urine Odor
Causes 2
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart become disorganized, producing an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. It may develop with increasing age or in association with high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, heart failure, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, or excessive alcohol use. Sometimes no specific cause is identified.
Hormonal Imbalance
Obesity
Risk Factors
Risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age and with conditions that affect the heart or cardiovascular system. Important risk factors include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea. Excessive alcohol use and other factors that affect heart rhythm may also increase the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed by evaluating the heart rhythm and medical history. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can record the irregular rhythm and is commonly used for diagnosis. If episodes are intermittent, Holter monitoring or another ambulatory heart monitor may be used. Echocardiography can assess heart structure and function, while blood tests may help identify contributing conditions such as thyroid disorders.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Maintaining cardiovascular health may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and its complications
Control blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiovascular conditions through appropriate medical care
Maintain a healthy weight, remain physically active, avoid smoking, and limit excessive alcohol use
Sleep disorders and thyroid conditions should also be appropriately evaluated and managed when present
Prevention Guidance
Maintaining cardiovascular health may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and its complications. Control blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiovascular conditions through appropriate medical care. Maintain a healthy weight, remain physically active, avoid smoking, and limit excessive alcohol use. Sleep disorders and thyroid conditions should also be appropriately evaluated and managed when present.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Leafy Greens
Support cardiovascular health.
Fresh Fruits
Provide antioxidants.
Fish
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods to Avoid
Excess Caffeine
May trigger palpitations in some people.
Alcohol
Can trigger arrhythmias.
Highly Processed Foods
May affect cardiovascular health.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm.
Palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue are common symptoms.
Yes, it significantly increases the risk of stroke.
ECG and heart rhythm monitoring are commonly used.
Yes, medicines and procedures can help control symptoms.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.