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More than 2 million people in the U.S. have A Fib, and about 160,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. A Fib is uncommon among young people, although it can occur in people of any age. The likelihood of developing the condition, however, increases as we get older. After age 65, between 3 percent and 5 percent of people have atrial fibrillation. Approximately 9 percent of people who are age 80 or older have the condition.
- Atrial Fibrillation (also called AF or A Fib) is a common heart rhythm disorder caused by a problem in the conduction of electrical impulses in the upper chambers, or atria, of the heart. The signs and symptoms of AF vary, and may include a sudden flutter of the heart, anxiety, shortness of breath, weakness and difficulty exercising, chest pain, sweating, dizziness or fainting.
- AF may have no known cause, or it may be related to coronary artery disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, structural defects of the heart and its valves, lung disease or other disorders.
- AF is diagnosed by electrocardiogram (ECG), or with devices that are worn by the patient to monitor the heart over time (Holter monitors and event recorders).
An Increased Risk of Stroke
Atrial Fibrillation is one of the major risk factors for stroke.
AF may last a short time and end spontaneously (called paroxysmal AF ) or it may continue indefinitely (persistent or permanent AF).
During an episode of A Fib or AFL, the heart muscle does not contract normally to force open the heart valves that pass blood from the atrium to the ventricle. The valve opens passively, but some blood may not enter the ventricle as it should. Instead, it pools in parts of the atrium, increasing the risk that clots will form in the stagnant blood.
Even small blood clots can cause problems if they leave the heart and are released into the general circulation. They may clog arteries in the body and disrupt the blood supply to vital organs. A stroke occurs when a clot lodges in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Downloadable educational materials on Atrial Fibrillation:
- Overview of Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation
- Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- International Normalized Ratio (for those patients on anticoagulation therapy)
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Dowloadable educational materials on A-Fib: |
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