Atrial Fibrillation
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrhythmia, common symptoms of which are chest tightness and heart palpitations. The condition occurs when the top chambers of the heart, called the atria, quiver in a very rapid, irregular rhythm. The heartbeat is irregular and rapid, sometimes beating even faster than 200 times a minute. (A normal resting heart rate is typically between 60-100 beats a minute.) Atrial fibrillation can cause fatigue and may lead to other health problems such as congestive heart failure or stroke. The chances of having a stroke are five times higher for those with atrial fibrillation.
What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?
Some healthy people who have no other medical problems can develop atrial fibrillation. In most cases, though, we do know the cause. The most common causes and risk factors include:
- More than 60 years of age
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Prior heart attacks
- Congestive heart failure
- Structural heart disease (valve problems, or congenital defects)
- Prior open heart surgery
- Untreated atrial flutter (another type of abnormal heart rhythm)
- Thyroid disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive alcohol or stimulant use
- Serious illness or infection
