Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
In AF, the heart's upper chambers (the atria) quiver or twitch instead of beating properly, so the heart ends up beating irregularly.
AF is usually not life threatening on its own, and many people with it live normal, healthy lives. Even so, some people will need or be advised to have treatment.
Risks of atrial fibrillation
In some people, AF can lead to blood clots forming in the heart, which may cause a stroke. This risk is higher depending on factors such as:
- older age
- high blood pressure
- heart failure
- diabetes
- a past history of blood clots
Lifestyle changes and treatment can help lower this risk.
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You or someone else has heart palpitations and:
- dizziness
- sudden shortness of breath
- chest pain
- loses consciousness
Types of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation can be:
- intermittent (paroxysmal) – it lasts for a few minutes or hours
- persistent – episode lasts for more than 7 days
- long-term persistent – it’s continuous and can last over a year
- permanent – it does not go away
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation can come and go, lasting between a few minutes or a few hours. This is known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This means it can be hard to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
A portable or ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder can help to diagnose paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This is because it records your heart rate for 24 hours or longer.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has heart palpitations along with any of the following:
- dizziness
- sudden shortness of breath
- chest pain
- loss of consciousness
Types of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation can be:
- intermittent (paroxysmal) - lasts for a few minutes or hours
- persistent - the episode lasts more than 7 days
- long-term persistent - continuous, and can last over a year
- permanent - does not go away
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation can come and go, lasting between a few minutes to a few hours. This is known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and it can be hard to detect.
A portable or ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder can help diagnose paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, as it records your heart rate for 24 hours or longer.
Diagnosis
In some cases, doctors can detect atrial fibrillation through:
- a simple pulse check
- a single lead ECG device, such as a small sensor placed on the chest or built into a watch strap
If your doctor suspects you may have atrial fibrillation, you may be sent for further tests. These can include:
- a 12 lead ECG, a more detailed recording of your heart's rhythm taken from 12 sensors attached to the chest
- an echocardiogram
If your doctor examines you and finds that your heart rate has returned to normal, you may not need any treatment right away. Your doctor will guide you on whether any treatment would help in your situation.
How to check your pulse
This video shows you how to check your pulse.
Treatment
Anticoagulant medicines help stop harmful blood clots from forming. People often call them blood thinners, but they don't actually thin the blood. What they do is make your blood take longer to clot.
If you have atrial fibrillation and are at risk of a stroke, your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant. This lowers the chance of blood clots forming inside the heart, which is what raises stroke risk.
Other treatments for atrial fibrillation aim to control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. These include:
- medication, such as beta blockers and anti-arrhythmic drugs
- ablation
- having a pacemaker fitted
- cardioversion
Types of treatment
The treatment that's right for you will depend on things like:
- the type of atrial fibrillation you have
- your symptoms
- any underlying cause, such as an overactive thyroid
- your age
- your overall health