Atrial Fibrillation

What Is It?

Atrial fibrillation (also called "atrial fib" or "A-fib") is the name for a relatively common heart disorder. It simply means that part of the heart doesn't beat the way it should. Normally, the heart contracts and relaxes in a synchronized, regular fashion at a rate of 60 to 100 times a minute. An electrical signal, originating in the top chambers of the heart (the atria) is transmitted to the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). As a result, the atria and ventricles contract and relax. These electrical signals can be visualized on an electrocardiogram (EKG). Your doctor can look at your EKG to see if the electrical signals in your heart are normal.

When a person has atrial fibrillation, the electrical signal originating in the atria does not "fire" correctly. Rather, the signal is chaotic and rapid. As a result, the atria beat out of rhythm with the rest of the heart. The atria may beat as many as 350 to 400 times a minute. The atria beat so fast that the heart chambers quiver like a bowl of jello instead of contracting normally. As a result, blood is not effectively pumped through the heart. Blood pools in these chambers and clots may form.

Who Can Get Atrial Fibrillation?

More than 1 million Americans have atrial fibrillation. Of these individuals, as many as 9% are over the age of 65. It affects people of all ages and races. Most people who develop atrial fibrillation have some associated heart disease or thyroid disorder, but there are otherwise healthy people who can develop this heart irregularity.

Will I Know If I Have Atrial Fibrillation?

There are many people who have atrial fibrillation and never know it. Because of possible risks associated with this heart irregularity, it is important that it be diagnosed and treated sooner rather than later. The following are some of the common symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation:

• Heart palpitations - a rapid thumping inside the chest
• Dizziness - feeling lightheaded
• Chest pain - a feeling of discomfort, pressure, pain in the chest
• Irregular heart beat
• Shortness of breath
• Get tired more easily when exercising

What Can Be Done For Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation itself is rarely life-threatening. It can, however, lead to other health problems, such as stroke (also called a brain attack) or heart failure. These problems can often be prevented if your atrial fibrillation is managed. The following are some of the things your doctor can do to help manage atrial fibrillation:

• Returning the heart to normal rhythm: In some cases, your doctor may be able to restore the heart rhythm to normal using either medications or electrical stimulation (electrical cardioversion).
• Preventing stroke: most patients with atrial fibrillation require an anticoagulant or blood thinner to prevent the formation of clots in the atria and reduce the risk for stroke

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