Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a common irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart beat in a disorganized way. AFib may come and go, persist for long periods, or become permanent.
AFib can cause palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or exercise intolerance. Some patients have no symptoms and are diagnosed during routine testing. AFib is important because it can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure in selected patients.
Symptoms patients may notice
- Fluttering, racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue or reduced stamina
- Shortness of breath or exercise intolerance
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or near-fainting
- Chest discomfort or anxiety-like episodes
How we evaluate this condition
- EKG to document rhythm
- Holter, patch, or event monitoring when AFib is intermittent
- Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and valve disease
- Blood tests and assessment of thyroid disease, sleep apnea, alcohol use, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity-related risk
- Stroke-risk and bleeding-risk assessment to guide anticoagulation decisions
Treatment and care options
- Rate-control medication, rhythm-control medication, or cardioversion when appropriate
- Anticoagulation or left atrial appendage closure referral when indicated based on individualized risk
- Ablation referral for selected patients with symptomatic or recurrent AFib
- Risk-factor management including blood pressure, weight, sleep apnea, alcohol moderation, and exercise planning
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 for stroke symptoms, chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or a sustained rapid heartbeat with weakness or near-collapse.