Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm. An irregular heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia. AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation, also called AF or AFib, is a quivery, fluttery heartbeat. You might also hear the doctor call it arrhythmia. It means your heart’s normal...
Non-modifiable risk factors (top left box) and modifiable risk factors (bottom left box) for atrial fibrillation. The main sequelae of atrial fibrillation are in the right box. Terminates spontaneously or with intervention within 7 days of onset. Episodes may recur with variable frequency. Continuous >12 mo in duration.
Afib stands for atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. Afib is caused by extremely fast and irregular beats from the upper chambers of the heart (usually more than 400 beats per minute). A normal, healthy heartbeat involves a regular contraction of the heart muscle.
Guidelines from 2023 explain how to diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). People with AFib should understand their stroke risk, how to change AFib risk factors and how to manage symptoms. AFib treatment can include medications, nonsurgical procedures and surgery. Video: What you need to know about the AFib guidelines.
Atrial fibrillation, also known as A-fib or AF, is one of the most common types of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). Atrial fibrillation causes your heart to beat irregularly and sometimes much faster than normal, and your heart’s upper and lower chambers do not work together as they should.