Atrial Fibrillation

About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation AFib is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting approximately 37 million people worldwide. AFib involves rapid, irregular electrical activity in the atria upper chambers of the heart. The ventricles beat irregularly, producing an irregularly irregular pulse. AFib may be paroxysmal self terminating within 7 days, persistent lasting over 7 days, or permanent. Symptoms include palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Many patients are asymptomatic. AFib increases stroke risk approximately fivefold, because blood pools in the atria and forms clots that can travel to the brain. Stroke prevention commonly involves anticoagulation with warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants DOACs apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran for people assessed as being at elevated stroke risk, using scoring tools such as CHA2DS2 VASc; decisions are individualised. Rate control with beta blockers or calcium channel blockers and rhythm control with antiarrhythmics or cardioversion are the main management strategies. Catheter ablation can isolate the pulmonary vein triggers and is increasingly used. Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness, or any signs of stroke, are a medical emergency; call your local emergency number.