WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION? 

Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart complications. During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers beat chaotically and irregularly — out of sync with the two lower chambers of the heart.

Following are a few of the various causes of Atrial Fibrillation: 

• High blood pressure
• Congenital heart defects 
• Heart attack or Previous heart surgeries
• Coronary artery or lung diseases
• Abnormal heart valves
• Thyroid gland or other metabolic abnormalities
• Medications, caffeine, tobacco or alcohol
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Viral infections
• Stress owing to surgery, pneumonia etc
• Sleep apnea
• Lone atrial fibrillation 

WHAT ARE ITS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS? 

• Irregular heart beat
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness and fatigue 
• Fainting, dizzy or lightheaded feeling
• Chest pain 

Some people with atrial fibrillation may have no symptoms at all until diagnosed. 

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

The doctor will check the patient's pulse and listen with a stethoscope for an irregular heartbeat. Possibly recommend: 

• an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) 

• Holter monitoring, etc 

Treatment may include:

• Medications and blood thinners such as an anticoagulant 
• Low energy electrical cardiac shock 
• Ablation Procedure

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

A major concern with atrial fibrillation is its potential to develop blood clots within the upper chambers of the heart that may circulate to other organs and lead to blocked blood flow.

It is  important to live a heart-healthy lifestyle to reduce its risks. That indicates:  

• Healthy diet 
• Increased physical activity
• No Smoking
• Maintaining ideal weight
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• Reducing or altogether avoiding stress 
• Using over-the-counter medications with caution