Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib, is an irregular beating of the heart, caused by the atria and ventricles, the chambers of the heart, not pulsating in synchronization. More specifically, the electrical impulses that are discharged from different areas in the atria, which are the top chambers, are emmitted in a chaotic way that causes them to move spasmodically. This results in a fast and irregular heartbeat.In general, our heart beats between 60 to 100 times per minute, but for individuals with atrial fibrillation, the range increases to about 100 to 175 beats per minute. Atrial fibrillation may increase your risk of stroke and other heart related conditions, such as heart failure. The risk of stroke increases with age and other factors like having high blood pressure or diabetes. Atrial fibrillation might weaken the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure.
There are many causes of the condition, but abnormalities or injury to the heart muscle are the most prevalent. Other potential causes include elevated blood pressure, viral infections, lung diseases, sleep apnea, or stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol. Signs of the condition include heart palpitations, weakness, fatigue, confusion, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Symptoms may last a few minutes, several hours or they can come and go.
There are many causes of the condition, but abnormalities or injury to the heart muscle are the most prevalent. Other potential causes include elevated blood pressure, viral infections, lung diseases, sleep apnea, or stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol. Signs of the condition include heart palpitations, weakness, fatigue, confusion, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Symptoms may last a few minutes, several hours or they can come and go.