Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly due to chaotic electrical signals that come from the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.
The heart is made up of four chambers. The top two chambers are called the atria and the bottom two chambers are called the ventricles.
Electrical signals travel through the chambers, telling them to contract and relax (or “pump”) in a synchronised fashion.
In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals to the atria are irregular and more rapid, often described as quivering or “fibrillating”.
Early in this condition, atrial fibrillation may come and go without warning – described as “paroxysmal”.
Persistent AF occurs when an episode lasts more than one week. When atrial fibrillation is constantly present, is it described as “permanent”.
Watch a short video on how atrial fibrillation differs from your normal heart rhythm: upbeat.org/heart-rhythm-disorders/atrial-fibrillation
If you are suspected of having atrial fibrillation, your doctor may perform an electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG). This involves putting small dots across the chest that are connected to leads which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can detect atrial fibrillation.
You may have to wear a portable version of these leads for 24 hours to detect shorter episodes of atrial fibrillation or other abnormal rhythms. This is called a Holter monitor.
Blood tests can be performed to look for triggers of AF such as an overactive thyroid. Sometimes sleep studies and lung function tests are performed if it is suspected that sleep apnoea or lung disease is present.
Other tests include an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart to look for heart failure or valve problems.
What causes atrial fibrillation?
Why does detecting atrial fibrillation matter?
Atrial fibrillation can cause two major issues:
symptoms – due to an inadequately controlled heart rate, often causing palpitations or racing heart beat, breathlessness on exertion or chest pain. Some patients may have minimal or no symptoms.
an increased risk of stroke (even in the absence of any symptoms) – this risk depends on your age and other medical issues
To understand more about the symptoms and effects of stroke, connect to the Stroke Foundation website below for some excellent videos:
strokefoundation.org.au
For symptoms/rhythm management:
For more information on catheter ablation, see the link below:
upbeat.org/common-treatments/catheter-ablation
What treatments are available for atrial fibrillation?
Assessing and decreasing stroke risk
If your risk of stroke is deemed to be high, your doctor may also recommend blood thinners to be taken every day. This can help in reducing your risk of stroke.
Lifestyle
Even when you have already had one or more episodes of atrial fibrillation, leading a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent a further episode. This includes having a healthy diet, regular exercise and abstaining from smoking and drinking.