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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffDuring atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow to the body and symptoms of heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.
Atrial fibrillation can also cause fatigue and stroke. It's often caused by changes in your heart that occur as a result of heart disease or high blood pressure. Episodes of atrial fibrillation can come and go, or you may have chronic atrial fibrillation.
Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn't life-threatening, it is a medical emergency. It can lead to complications. Treatments for atrial fibrillation may include medications and other interventions to try to alter the heart's electrical system.
- Atrial fibrillation. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4451. Accessed Jan. 20, 2009.
- Atrial fibrillation and flutter. Heart Rhythm Society. http://www.hrspatients.org/patients/heart_disorders/atrial_fibrillation/default.asp. Accessed Jan. 20, 2009.
- Atrial fibrillation. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/af/af_all.html. Accessed Jan. 20, 2009.
- Thomas MC, et al. Blood pressure control and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Hypertension. 2008;21:1111.
- ACC/AHA/ESC Writing Committee members. 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2006;8:651.
- Singer DE, et al. Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest. 2008;133:546S.
- Podrid PJ. Patient information: Cardioversion. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 20, 2009.
- Cappato R, et al. Worldwide survey on the methods, efficacy, and safety of catheter ablation for human atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2005;111:1100.
- Voeller RK, et al. The effects of the Cox maze procedure on atrial function. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2008;136:1257.
- FDA approves first ablation catheters for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01953.html. Accessed Feb. 6, 2009.
