Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to serious health complications like stroke and heart failure. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers.
Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
AFib may be silent or present with symptoms such as:
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest discomfort
Fainting (in severe cases)
Some people may not notice any symptoms, and AFib is only discovered during a routine checkup
Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation
Treatment depends on the severity, cause, and presence of other conditions. Common approaches include:
Medications
Rate control drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
Rhythm control drugs (antiarrhythmics)
Blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin or DOACs) to prevent stroke
Cardioversion
Electrical or drug-induced resetting of heart rhythm
Catheter Ablation
A minimally invasive procedure that destroys abnormal heart tissue causing AFib
Lifestyle Changes
Managing blood pressure, reducing alcohol, avoiding stimulants, and weight control
Surgical Options
In severe or resistant cases, surgical ablation or a maze procedure may be recommended
AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human for accuracy and clarity.