Atrial Fibrillation
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Management
Prevention
What to Expect
Living Well
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm condition where the heartbeat becomes irregular and often faster than normal. Instead of beating in a steady, coordinated way, the upper chambers of your heart send uneven electrical signals. This can cause the heart to beat out of sync and pump blood less efficiently.
Types of Atrial Fibrillation
Clinicians group Afib into types based on how often it happens and how long it lasts.
Paroxysmal AFib comes and goes. Episodes start suddenly and stop on their own, usually within a few hours or days.
Persistent AFib lasts longer than a week and does not stop on its own.
Long-standing persistent AFib lasts for a year or longer.
Permanent AFib is when you and your clinician decide not to try to restore a normal heart rhythm. Care focuses instead on controlling heart rate and lowering the risk of complications.
Newest Articles in
Atrial Fibrillation
Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation: What Patients Should Know
Afib
Ask The Expert: Julie Anderson, MD and the role of a PCP
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Wearable Devices and Heart Health: What’s The Buzz?
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Get to Know Your Heart
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Symptoms and Causes
AFib can affect people differently. Some people notice symptoms right away, while others may not feel any changes at all. AFib can also develop for different reasons, often related to changes in the heart or underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of AFib
AFib can cause a wide range of symptoms, and how it feels can vary from person to person. Some people notice symptoms right away, while others may have AFib without feeling any changes at all.
Common symptoms may include:
A fluttering, racing, or irregular heartbeat
Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
Shortness of breath, especially with activity
Dizziness or light-headedness
Chest discomfort
Feeling weak or less able to exercise
Symptoms may come and go, or they may be ongoing, depending on the type of AFib and how your body responds to the irregular rhythm.
Some people are diagnosed with AFib during a routine exam or heart test, even if they have no noticeable symptoms.
Causes of AFib
AFib happens when the heart’s electrical system does not work as it should. This can be triggered by changes in the heart’s structure, strain on the heart, or other health conditions.
Common factors that can increase your risk include:
High blood pressure
Heart disease, including coronary artery disease or heart valve problems
Heart failure or previous heart surgery
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Sleep apnea
Lung disease
Excess alcohol use
Older age
In many cases, more than one factor is involved. Understanding what may be contributing to your AFib can help guide treatment and management decisions.
Diagnosis and Tests
Afib is diagnosed using a combination of your symptoms, medical history, and tests that record your heart’s electrical activity. Because AFib can come and go, diagnosis may sometimes require more than one test or monitoring over time.
How Atrial Fibrillation Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis often begins with a review of your symptoms and risk factors, along with a physical exam. Your clinician may check your pulse or listen to your heart for an irregular rhythm.
If AFib is suspected, heart rhythm tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Common Tests Used to Diagnose AFib
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): The most common test for AFib. It records the electrical activity of your heart and can show whether your heartbeat is irregular.
Heart monitoring devices: If AFib doesn't occur all the time, you may be asked to wear a portable monitor for several days or weeks. These devices track your heart rhythm during daily activities.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that shows how well your heart is pumping and whether there are structural problems that may contribute to AFib.
Blood tests: These may be used to check for conditions that can trigger or worsen AFib, such as thyroid disorders or electrolyte imbalances.
Because AFib can vary over time, diagnosis sometimes takes more than one visit. Identifying AFib early helps guide treatment decisions and reduce the risk of complications.
Management
Atrial fibrillation is manageable, and many people live well with the condition. Management focuses on controlling symptoms, improving how the heart functions, and reducing the risk of complications. Your care plan depends on the type of AFib you have, your symptoms, and your overall health.
Treatment Goals
Treatment for AFib often aims to:
Control how fast the heart beats
Improve or maintain a regular heart rhythm when appropriate
Lower the risk of stroke and other complications
Not everyone needs the same approach, and treatment plans are often adjusted over time.
Medications
Medications are commonly used to manage AFib. These may include:
Medications that help slow the heart rate
Medications that help maintain a more regular rhythm
Medications that reduce the risk of blood clots
Your clinician will consider potential benefits, side effects, and other health conditions when choosing medications.
Procedures and Other Treatments
Some people may benefit from procedures that help restore or control heart rhythm. These options are typically considered when symptoms are not well controlled with medications or when AFib significantly affects daily life.
Your clinician can explain whether these options are appropriate for you based on your individual situation.
Ongoing Care
Managing AFib often involves regular follow-up visits to monitor symptoms, heart rhythm, and overall health. Ongoing care helps ensure treatment remains effective and supports long-term heart and vascular health.
Prevention
Not all cases of atrial fibrillation can be prevented, but certain steps may help lower risk or reduce how often episodes occur. Prevention focuses on supporting heart health, managing underlying conditions, and reducing factors that can strain the heart’s electrical system.
Managing Risk Factors
Some health conditions increase the likelihood of developing AFib or make it harder to control. Working with a clinician to manage these conditions can make a difference. This may include:
Keeping blood pressure within a healthy range
Managing diabetes and cholesterol levels
Treating sleep apnea if present
Addressing thyroid disorders
Managing heart disease or heart failure
Supporting Heart-Healthy Habits
Daily habits can also play a role in reducing AFib risk and supporting overall vascular health.
Helpful strategies may include:
Staying physically active in ways that feel safe and appropriate
Limiting alcohol intake
Avoiding smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing stress and getting adequate sleep
Ongoing Awareness
If you have AFib or are at higher risk, paying attention to new or changing symptoms is important. Early evaluation and follow-up can help prevent complications and support long-term heart health.
What to Expect
Living with atrial fibrillation can look different from person to person. Some people experience symptoms only occasionally, while others manage AFib as a long-term condition. What you can expect depends on the type of AFib you have, how your body responds to treatment, and any other health conditions you may have.
After Diagnosis
After AFib is diagnosed, you may have follow-up visits to review symptoms, discuss treatment options, and monitor your heart rhythm. It’s common to need adjustments to medications or monitoring over time as your care plan is tailored to your needs.
Ongoing Monitoring
AFib often requires ongoing care. Your clinician may recommend periodic check-ins, heart rhythm monitoring, or blood tests, especially if you take certain medications. These visits help ensure treatment remains effective and safe.
Long-Term Outlook
Many people with AFib continue to live active, fulfilling lives. While AFib may not always go away, it can often be managed successfully. Staying engaged in your care and keeping regular follow-up appointments can help reduce complications and support long-term heart and vascular health.
Living Well
Living with atrial fibrillation often means learning how to manage symptoms, treatment, and daily routines. With the right information and support, many people continue to do the activities they enjoy and maintain a good quality of life.
Building Daily Habits
Consistent daily habits can support heart and vascular health. These may include staying physically active in ways that feel safe, taking medications as prescribed, and paying attention to how your body responds to activity, stress, and rest.
Managing Stress and Emotional Health
AFib can be stressful, especially when symptoms are unpredictable. Feelings of worry or uncertainty are common. Finding ways to manage stress—like relaxation techniques, counseling, or support groups—can help you feel more confident and supported.
Staying Engaged in Your Care
Keeping regular appointments, asking questions, and sharing any new or changing symptoms with your clinician can help you stay on track. Being involved in your care supports better long-term outcomes and helps you adapt as your needs change.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
If you’re experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation or have concerns about your heart rhythm, don’t wait to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.