What It Is
Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as AFib, is a condition involving an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm, originating in the heart's upper chambers, called the atria.
How It Develops
Normally, the heart's electrical signals travel in a coordinated pattern that produces a steady, regular heartbeat. In atrial fibrillation, this electrical activity becomes chaotic within the atria, causing them to quiver rapidly and irregularly instead of contracting in a coordinated way. This can be triggered or influenced by various underlying factors, including structural changes to the heart, high blood pressure, or other heart conditions, though in some cases no clear underlying cause is identified.
General Symptoms
Some people with atrial fibrillation notice a sensation of a rapid, irregular, or fluttering heartbeat, sometimes described as palpitations. Other common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Notably, some people experience no noticeable symptoms at all, and the condition may only be identified during a routine examination or test.
General Treatment Approaches
Management of atrial fibrillation generally focuses on two main goals: controlling the heart rate or restoring a more regular rhythm, and reducing the risk of blood clots, since the irregular contraction pattern in the atria can allow blood to pool and clot. Treatment commonly involves medications aimed at these goals, and in certain cases, procedures designed to restore or maintain a more regular heart rhythm may be considered, depending on the individual situation.
Background
Atrial fibrillation was first clearly described in the early 20th century, aided by the development of the electrocardiogram, which allowed the irregular electrical pattern to be directly observed and documented for the first time. Since then, understanding of the condition and its associated risks, along with the range of available treatment approaches, has expanded considerably, making it one of the more thoroughly studied heart rhythm conditions today.