Warning Sign: Uneven Pulse

Warning Sign: Uneven Pulse

Atrial fibrillation causes an irregular heart rate. If you check your pulse, you will often feel a "fluttering." When atrial fibrillation is new in onset or poorly controlled by medications you will often feel your heart racing. This rapid, abnormal heart rate can be dangerous if not treated and controlled quickly.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm abnormality caused by a problem with the heart's electrical system. Normally, the heart's electricity flows from the top chambers (atria) to the bottom chambers (ventricles), causing the normal contraction. In atrial fibrillation the electrical flow is chaotic causing the heartbeat to become irregular.

Warning Sign: Dizziness

Warning Sign: Dizziness

If your heart goes into atrial fibrillation you may experience dangerous and frightening symptoms. AFib may cause symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Feeling of palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue or exercise intolerance

AFib vs. Normal Heart Rhythm

AFib vs. Normal Heart Rhythm

When the heart beats with a normal rhythm, electricity flows from the top of the heart to the bottom of the heart, causing the heart muscle to contract and moving the blood through the body. In AFib, the electricity flows chaotically and the bottom chambers of the heart contract irregularly.

When To Call 911

When To Call 911

If you think you are experiencing atrial fibrillation and have chest pain, feel faint, feel a very rapid heart rate (greater than 100 beats per minute), or have any signs or symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

AFib and Stroke

AFib and Stroke

Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for stroke. About 15 percent of all people who have strokes have AFib. Because of the irregular and chaotic flow of blood through the heart, small blood clots can form in the heart chambers when you have atrial fibrillation. These clots can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why people with chronic AFib are usually on blood-thinning medications.

Risk Factors You Can't Control

Risk Factors You Can't Control

Having a family history of atrial fibrillation is a strong risk factor for you developing it as well. Your risk of getting AFib also increases with age, and white males have a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.

What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?

What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a common problem. Risk factors for AFib include:

• Poorly controlled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart valve problems
• Coronary artery disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders

Heart Surgery Can Be a Trigger

Heart Surgery Can Be a Trigger

One of the risks of having open-heart surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is atrial fibrillation. Your doctor will work to control or correct this as it can lead to other complications.

Lone AFib

Atrial fibrillation that happens in younger people (less than 60 years old), without an obvious cause is called lone AFib. Lone AFib can be triggered by exercise, eating, sleeping, and alcohol. Sometimes it comes and goes on its own and may not need immediate treatment. Consult your doctor.

Risk Factors You Can Control

Risk Factors You Can Control

There are some risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are in your control. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and watch your weight. Stop smoking and limit alcohol use. Do not use illegal drugs and be very careful if you use certain prescription drugs such as albuterol or other stimulants. Talk to your doctor if you are prescribed these medications and have concerns.