Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm. There are several types, depending on how long the irregularity lasts and its cause. Learn more here. Atrial fibrillation A-fib refers to an irregular heartbeat. It can cause complications without treatment. Some people with A-fib may need surgery…. Ventricular fibrillation is an irregular rhythm caused by rapid, uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the heart's lower chambers.
It can be fatal. Stroke blocks the blood supply to the brain and can be life threatening. Learn more about strokes, including the types, symptoms, and how treat and…. Heart disease is a major cause of death. In this article, learn about the different types, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment to expect.
What is atrial fibrillation? Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M. Symptoms Causes Treatment Complications Prevention Summary Atrial fibrillation A-fib is an irregular heart rhythm, also known as a type of arrhythmia. Heart Disease Cat 1 afib. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.
Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What are the types of atrial fibrillation? What to expect with A-fib surgery. They then relax so the heart can fill with blood again. This process is repeated every time the heart beats. In atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers atria contract randomly and sometimes so fast that the heart muscle cannot relax properly between contractions.
This reduces the heart's efficiency and performance. Atrial fibrillation happens when abnormal electrical impulses suddenly start firing in the atria.
These impulses override the heart's natural pacemaker, which can no longer control the rhythm of the heart. This causes you to have a highly irregular pulse rate. The cause is not fully understood, but it tends to affect certain groups of people, such as older people and people living with long-term chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or obesity.
It may be triggered by certain situations, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking. The AV node is then bombarded with signals trying to get through to the lower heart chambers ventricles. This causes a fast and irregular heart rhythm. The heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from to beats a minute.
The normal range for a heart rate is 60 to beats a minute. Problems with the heart's structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include:. In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers atria and form clots. If a blood clot in the left upper chamber left atrium breaks free from the heart area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
The risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase your risk of a stroke due to A-fib , including:. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation.
Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:. Atrial fibrillation care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
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Atrial fibrillation In a typical heart rhythm, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal sinus node impulse. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
Show references Atrial fibrillation. Watch an animation of atrial fibrillation. If you or someone you love has atrial fibrillation, learn more about what AFib is, why treatment can save lives, and what you can do to reach your goals, lower your risks and live a healthy life. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Atrial Fibrillation. What is Atrial Fibrillation?
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