Overview

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem in which the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, beat quickly and unevenly. The heartbeat stops being steady and coordinated and becomes uneven, sometimes even fast. This can make it harder for blood to flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. It can occur in episodes or persistently. It may not be dangerous right away, but it does need to be looked at because it can make problems more likely in the future.

Symptoms
A lot of people with atrial fibrillation feel palpitations, which are heartbeats that are fluttering, racing, or irregular. Some people feel short of breath, especially when they are active, while others feel tired or have less energy. People may feel dizzy or lightheaded, and in some cases, chest pain. But not everyone has symptoms. Some people only find out they have atrial fibrillation during a routine check-up or after tests that were done for another reason.

Causes
Changes in the heart's structure or electrical system can often cause atrial fibrillation. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and heart valve problems are all common causes. Age is a major factor, and the risk increases with age. Thyroid problems, drinking too much alcohol, stress, and some lung conditions are also factors. In some cases, it occurs for no clear reason, even in otherwise healthy people.

Diagnosis

An ECG, which records the heart's electrical activity and can show an irregular rhythm, is usually the first step in diagnosing. If the condition isn't always present, doctors might suggest monitoring it for a longer period with a Holter device or a similar device. Blood tests may be performed to detect underlying conditions, and an echocardiogram is often used to assess the heart's structure and function.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to keep the heart rate or rhythm under control and lower the risk of problems, especially stroke. People often use drugs for both of these reasons. Sometimes doctors may suggest procedures to restore or maintain a normal rhythm. Making changes to your lifestyle, like managing stress, drinking less alcohol, and controlling underlying conditions, is also very important. Most people with atrial fibrillation can live normal, active lives if they get the right care and follow-up.