Atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, is a type of cardiac arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, and is a major risk factor for stroke and other health conditions.

For many people, atrial fibrillation does not lead to any future complications, but in some people it can pose serious risks. Because a-fib causes the atria, or chambers of the heart, to beat rapidly and/or irregularly, blood does not make its way through them as quickly and may clot. If a clot is formed and pumped out of the heart, there is a possibility it may travel to the brain and cause stroke. Learn more about a-fib and see if you may be at risk.

Risk Factors for A-Fib
In most cases, A-Fib occurs in patients with existing heart conditions, but it can present in those without structural heart problems. Keep in mind that it is more common in men than in women. Risk factors for a-fib include:

• Heart/cardiovascular disease
• Lung disease
• Age of 55 or over
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Use of stimulants including caffeine
• Other chronic conditions, such as thyroid problems and diabetes
• Stress
• Family history

Symptoms of A-Fib
While some people may never experience any symptoms at all, common ones include:

• Rapid or irregular pulse/heart beat
• Racing feeling in the chest
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Sweating
• Palpitations or a pounding feeling in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain/pressure in chest
• Feeling week/tired
• Trouble/inability to exercise

Treating A-Fib
The goal in treating A-Fib is to correct the irregular heart rhythm and get it as close to normal as possible, and prevent blood clots from forming when necessary. Methods of treatment include:

• Medications
• Cardioversion–a procedure that uses electrical currents to restore the heart's rhythm
• Ablation–a surgical procedure to remove the area of the atria that is causing the a-fib
• Maze procedures
• Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol and practicing regular aerobic exercise

Learn more about atrial fibrillation by visiting this article on our online Health Library. If you would like more information about our Heart and Vascular services here at Raulerson Hospital, please visit us online or call call 863-824-2789 or 863-763-2151, Ext. 2789, for more information.