Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat originating in the atria—the upper chambers of the heart. In a healthy heart, the electrical signals that control the heartbeat follow a regular pattern. In atrial fibrillation, these signals become chaotic and disorganized, causing the atria to quiver (fibrillate) rather than contract effectively. This disrupts the normal rhythm and efficiency of the heart, leading to an irregular and often abnormally fast heartbeat.
AFib can be paroxysmal (comes and goes), persistent (lasts more than a week), or permanent (long-term, accepted rhythm). The condition may occur without symptoms or cause palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort. It may be discovered incidentally during a routine examination or ECG.The main concern with AFib is that the quivering of the atria allows blood to pool, especially in the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of blood clots. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke, making AF a significant risk factor for stroke, especially in older adults or those with other cardiovascular risk factors.
Treatment aims to control the heart rate, restore a normal rhythm (if possible), and prevent stroke. This may involve medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, and anticoagulants (like warfarin, apixaban, or rivaroxaban). In some cases, procedures like electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation, or surgical interventions may be considered.Diagnosis is typically confirmed through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which shows the characteristic irregular atrial activity and absence of organized P waves. Additional tests may include Holter monitoring, echocardiography, blood tests (like thyroid function), and sometimes electrophysiological studies.