Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a cardiac arrhythmia (an abnormality of heart rate or rhythm) originating in the atria. Abnormal electrical impulses in the atria cause the ventricles to contract erratically. AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. If rapid, it may compromise blood flow and cause fainting, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing up) or low blood pressure. In addition, it predisposes to thrombosis and embolism to the brain, being a prime risk factor for stroke.

Signs and symptoms

Atrial fibrillation is usually accompanied by symptoms related to either the rapid heart rate or embolization. Rapid and irregular heart rates may be perceived as palpitations, exercise intolerance, and occasionally produce angina and congestive symptoms of shortness of breath or edema. Sometimes the arrhythmia will be identified with the onset of a stroke or a tia. It is not uncommon to identify atrial fibrillation on a routine physical examination or ecg.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is the episodic occurence of the arrhythmia and may be difficult to diagnose. Episodes may occur with sleep or with exercise, and their episodic nature may require prolonged ecg monitoring for diagnosis.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~