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Atrial fibrillation
7-minute read
If you have chest pain or any other heart attack warning signs, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Atrial fibrillation is a common type of abnormal heartbeat.
- It can cause palpitations, shortness of breath and tiredness, but some people have no symptoms.
- Having atrial fibrillation can increase your chance of having a stroke.
- There are several treatments for atrial fibrillation, including medicines, surgery or a pacemaker.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help control atrial fibrillation.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of heart arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). Atrial fibrillation is when your atria (the upper chambers of your heart) twitch or 'fibrillate' rather than pump normally.
When you have atrial fibrillation, your heartbeat may be fast and not regular. This is because there is a problem with the electrical pathways that control your heart rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is also known as AF or AFib.
Atrial fibrillation may come and go, or it may persist over time.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is when you have short episodes of atrial fibrillation, each one lasting less than a week.
Atrial flutter is another heart rhythm problem that comes from the atria. However, if you have atrial flutter, your heart will beat in a fast but regular way.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Others may:
- feel short of breath
- feel dizzy or lightheaded
- have heart palpitations
- feel weak or tired
- have chest pain or discomfort
If your heart is in atrial fibrillation, your pulse will have an irregular rhythm.
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What causes atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common kind of heart arrhythmia. It can run in families and gets more common as you get older.
You are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation if you:
- have type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
- are living with obesity
- smoke or drink too much alcohol
- have obstructive sleep apnoea
- have heart problems such as coronary heart disease, heart valve disease or heart failure
- have chronic kidney disease
- have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland)
If you have major surgery or a serious infection, this could trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF), it's important to see your doctor.
Many people don't have symptoms, so if you are over 65 years of age, it's a good idea to ask your doctor to check you for atrial fibrillation.
When to seek urgent care
Go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you:
- have severe symptoms
- faint — or feel like you might faint
- have chest pain when you are resting
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How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation, your doctor will talk with you and examine you.
Atrial fibrillation is usually diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Your doctor may order other tests such as:
- a heart monitor that you wear over a 24-hour period or longer (called a Holter monitor)
- an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- blood tests
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How is atrial fibrillation treated?
Treatment for atrial fibrillation will depend on your symptoms, the cause and what other health conditions you have.
Treatments for atrial fibrillation include:
- medicines to help your heart go back to a normal rhythm or to slow your heart rate
- cardioversion — an electrical shock is given to your heart to reset its normal rhythm (this is done under general anaesthetic)
- catheter ablation — a procedure that destroys the area inside your heart that is causing the abnormal rhythm
- implanting a pacemaker to control your heartbeat
Your doctor may also prescribe you blood-thinning medicines to reduce the chance of a stroke.
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Lifestyle management of atrial fibrillation
If you have atrial fibrillation, you can reduce the chance of complications by following a healthy lifestyle. Here are some things you can do:
- Stay physically active — talk to your doctor about the right amount of exercise for you.
- Lose weight if you live with overweight.
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Limit alcohol to no more than 3 drinks per week.
- Keep your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels.
- Get tested for sleep apnoea.
What are the complications of atrial fibrillation?
When you have atrial fibrillation, your heart can't pump blood smoothly through your atria (the upper chambers of your heart). This can lead to a blood clot forming in your heart. If a blood clot forms and travels to your brain, it can cause a stroke.
Medicines to prevent stroke are often recommended for people with atrial fibrillation. These medicines work by reducing the chance of your blood clotting. Ask your doctor whether they are recommended for you.
Resources and Support
Visit the Heart Foundation for patient resources and support.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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