Atrial Fibrillation: Health Topics: University of Iowa Health Care

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormality of the heart rhythm. Normally, the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, contract in a steady rhythm. This produces a regular heartbeat. When atrial fibrillation is present, the atria contract very rapidly and erratically. The heart may beat as many as 350 to 400 times a minute. The pulse is irregular. This may reduce the volume of blood pumped by the heart. In most cases, atrial fibrillation is associated with heart disease or thyroid disorders.

Symptoms include:

heart palpitations that feel like a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing sensation in the chest
weak and short of breath
dizziness and lightheadedness as though you are going to faint (If this happens, sit or lie down until the feeling passes.) and
chest pain with a variable sensation of discomfort, pressure, or pain

Many people have no symptoms at all. If untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious consequences such as a stroke or heart failure.

In many cases, the heart's normal rhythm may be restored with emergency electrical stimulation or medication.

The primary risk from atrial fibrillation is a stroke. Small blood clots can form in the heart and pass through the bloodstream to the brain and cause a stroke. Treatment programs may be used to prevent the blood from forming blood clots. Often, patients with atrial fibrillation are placed on a blood thinning medication to prevent strokes. A variety of medications are used to control the heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation. The most common is Digoxin (di-jok-sin)."

Be sure you understand all the risks and responsibilities involved before you begin any long-term drug treatment program.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.