Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults.
It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly, losing their normal rhythm.

 

👉 In simple terms:
the heart beats “out of sync”.

AF can be silent or symptomatic. It is important to diagnose and treat it because it increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

 

✅ Why is it important to recognize atrial fibrillation?

When the heartbeat becomes irregular, blood may stagnate inside the atria and form blood clots (thrombi).
If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

People with atrial fibrillation have a five-fold higher risk of stroke than the general population.

🩺 Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Some people have no symptoms at all. Others may experience:

• Palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat)

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance

• Dizziness or near fainting

• Chest discomfort or tightness

➡️ No symptoms does not mean no risk.

 

🔍 Types of atrial fibrillation

Type of atrial fibrillationDescription

Paroxysmal: Episodes start and stop spontaneously (last from minutes to up to 7 days)

Persistent: Lasts more than 7 days and requires treatment to restore rhythm

Permanent: AF is continuous and restoring normal rhythm is no longer attempted

 

🧠 Risk factors

Atrial fibrillation is more likely to occur in people with:

• High blood pressure

• Age > 60 years

• Heart disease (valvular or ischemic)

• Diabetes

• Obesity and metabolic syndrome

• Sleep apnea

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Hyperthyroidism

It can also occur in young, healthy individuals.

 

🩺 How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Holter ECG monitoring (24–48 hours or longer)

• Further tests if needed (echocardiogram, thyroid tests, etc.)

 

💊 Treatment: how is atrial fibrillation managed?

Treatment focuses on three goals:

1) Preventing stroke

➡️ Anticoagulant therapy

Depending on individual risk (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score), the doctor may prescribe:

• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC)

• Warfarin (in selected cases)

Anticoagulants do not thin the blood — they prevent clots from forming.

2) Controlling heart rate

Medications used to slow the heart rate:

• Beta-blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Digoxin (in selected cases)

3) Restoring normal rhythm

This can be achieved by:

• Electrical cardioversion (controlled shock)

• Medication to restore rhythm

• Catheter ablation
  A minimally invasive procedure to eliminate the electrical source of AF using radiofrequency or cryotherapy.

➡️ In many patients, ablation reduces or eliminates the need for long-term medication.

 

👨‍⚕️ Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

A thin catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart.
The areas responsible for AF (usually around the pulmonary veins) are isolated.

Benefits:

• Reduces AF episodes

• Improves quality of life

• Decreases hospital admissions

 

❤️ Lifestyle and prevention

To reduce recurrence and complications:

• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol

• Lose weight if needed

• Limit alcohol and caffeine

• Treat sleep apnea

• Exercise regularly

Atrial fibrillation is managed day by day, not only with medication.

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Atrial fibrillation is common but manageable.

With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can live well and significantly reduce your risk of stroke.