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Atrial Fibrillation
Summary
An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. The cause is a disorder in the heart’s electrical system.
Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. But you may feel
:
- Palpitations — an abnormal rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or difficulty exercising
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Confusion
AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke. In many patients, it can also cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure.
Doctors diagnose AF using family and medical history, a physical exam, and a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG), which looks at the electrical waves your heart makes. Treatments include medicines and procedures to restore normal rhythm.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Find an Expert
- American Heart Association American Heart Association
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Treatments and Therapies
- Antiarrhythmics Texas Heart Institute
- Atrial Fibrillation Medications American Heart Association
- Heart Treatments National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Maze Surgery Texas Heart Institute
- Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation American Heart Association
Patient Handouts
- Atrial fibrillation – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Atrial fibrillation or flutter Medical Encyclopedia
- Cardiac ablation procedures Medical Encyclopedia
- Electrocardiogram Medical Encyclopedia
- Holter monitor (24h) Medical Encyclopedia
Related Issues
- Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Device Interventions for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation American Heart Association
- High Blood Pressure, Atrial Fibrillation, and Your Risk of Stroke American Heart Association
- Substances and Heart Rhythm Disorders Heart Rhythm Society
Encyclopedia
- Cardiac event monitors Medical Encyclopedia
- Digitalis toxicity Medical Encyclopedia
- Heart palpitations Medical Encyclopedia
- Heartbeat Medical Encyclopedia
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Atrial Fibrillation National Institutes of Health
Genetics
- Familial atrial fibrillation: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
Diagnosis and Tests
- Heart Health Tests: MedlinePlus Health Topic National Library of Medicine
- Heart Tests National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Recognizing an Irregular Heart Rhythm American Osteopathic Association
Reference Desk
- Heart Information Center Texas Heart Institute
- How the Heart Works National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Journal Articles
Specifics
- Tachycardia Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Start Here
- What Is Atrial Fibrillation? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute