Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that affects the heart’s upper chambers (atria). Instead of a normal heartbeat, which follows a steady, coordinated rhythm, the atria quiver or flutter, which can make the heart beat fast, uneven, or irregular.

Also called AFib, this irregular rhythm can affect how well the heart can pump blood, potentially leading to life-threatening, heart-related complications such as heart damage, stroke or heart attack.

Atrial fibrillation often develops over time and may move through various stages:

1. At risk: Risk factors such as high blood pressure or obesity are present
2. Pre-AF: Early changes in the heart are seen, but AF has not yet started
3. AF present: Episodes may come and go (paroxysmal AF) or become longer-lasting and require treatment (persistent AF)
4. Permanent AF: AF becomes continuous and long-standing

At every stage, healthy lifestyle changes and the control of risk factors are recommended to help slow progression and reduce further complications.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your GP or, in an emergency, dial 999.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can affect people in different ways. Some notice clear symptoms, while others may not feel anything at all.

Common symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include:

• Heart palpitations (a fast or irregular heartbeat)

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain 

• Dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded         

• Reduced exercise tolerance

• Fatigue

However, around 10-40% of people with AF have no symptoms, and the condition may be found during routine checks, through wearable devices, or via implanted heart monitors.

In some people who have had a stroke without a known cause, small implanted monitors can look for intermittent AF. 

Risk Factors & Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors increase the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. Men are statistically more likely to develop AF than women.

Long-term studies show that AF is more common in people with:

• Increasing age

• High blood pressure

• Heart failure

• Heart disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Valve disease

• Diabetes

Other factors linked to higher AF risk include:

• Obesity

• Thickening of the heart muscle

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Smoking

• Lung disease

Atrial fibrillation can also occur after major surgery, such as lung cancer removal. Around 1 in 5 patients may develop AF after lung surgery, often within two days of the operation.

AFib Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a careful, individualised assessment by a cardiology team and may include:

• A detailed medical history and physical examination

• Heart rhythm monitoring

• Blood tests to check for contributing conditions, such as thyroid or kidney problems

• Additional tests, depending on symptoms and overall health

Your care plan is tailored to your symptoms, medical history and personal risk profile.

Atrial Fibrillation Treatments 

There are various treatment options for managing atrial fibrillation, depending on the extent of the condition.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Always speak to your doctor about the right treatment for you.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Always speak to your doctor about the right treatment for you.

FAQs

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