Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. Show
A normal heart rate should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you're resting. You can measure your heart rate by checking your pulse in your wrist or neck. Symptoms of atrial fibrillationIn atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute. This can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes. Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and a person who has it is completely unaware that their heart rate is irregular. When to see a GPSee a GP or call 111 if:
It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious. Urgent advice: Call 999 if:You have sudden chest pain that:
You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital. What causes atrial fibrillation?When the heart beats normally, its muscular walls tighten and squeeze (contract) to force blood out and around the body. They then relax so the heart can fill with blood again. This process is repeated every time the heart beats. In atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers (atria) contract randomly and sometimes so fast that the heart muscle cannot relax properly between contractions. This reduces the heart's efficiency and performance. Atrial fibrillation happens when abnormal electrical impulses suddenly start firing in the atria. These impulses override the heart's natural pacemaker, which can no longer control the rhythm of the heart. This causes you to have a highly irregular pulse rate. The cause is not fully understood, but it tends to affect certain groups of people, such as older people and people living with long-term (chronic) conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or obesity. It may be triggered by certain situations, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking. Atrial fibrillation can be defined in various ways, depending on the degree to which it affects you. For example:
Who's affectedAtrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting around 1.4 million people in the UK. It can affect adults of any age, but it's more common in older people. More men than women have atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is more likely to occur in people with other conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), atherosclerosis or a heart valve problem. Information: Social care and support guideIf you:
Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support. Treating atrial fibrillationAtrial fibrillation is not usually life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and often requires treatment. Treatment may involve:
Atrial flutterAtrial flutter is less common than atrial fibrillation, but shares the same symptoms, causes and possible complications. Some people with atrial flutter also have atrial fibrillation. Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation, but the rhythm in the atria is more organised and less chaotic than the abnormal patterns caused by atrial fibrillation. Treatment for atrial flutter is also slightly different. Catheter ablation is considered to be the best treatment for atrial flutter, whereas medicine is often the first treatment used for atrial fibrillation. What's the difference between irregular heartbeat and AFib?The difference between atrial fibrillation and irregular heartbeat is that irregular heartbeat is a general term to describe any abnormal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation is a specific diagnosis. Irregular heartbeat could include heartbeats that are too fast, too slow or irregular for any reason.
Can you have an irregular heartbeat without having AFib?You could have an arrhythmia even if your heart is healthy. Or it could happen because of: Heart disease. The wrong balance of electrolytes (such as sodium or potassium) in your blood.
What is the most common cause of irregular heartbeat?The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular and fast heart beat. Many factors can affect your heart's rhythm, such as having had a heart attack, smoking, congenital heart defects, and stress. Some substances or medicines may also cause arrhythmias.
Does AFib cause irregular heartbeat?In atrial fibrillation, the signals in the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic. As a result, the upper chambers shake (quiver). The AV node is then bombarded with signals trying to get through to the lower heart chambers (ventricles). This causes a fast and irregular heart rhythm.
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