Atrial Fibrillation
WebMD
Overview
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a quivery, fluttery heartbeat. You might also hear the doctor call it arrhythmia.
The Costs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)If you have AFib, treating it cuts your risk of having a stroke. But it can be costly, even if you have insurance.
Latest Research on Atrial FibrillationToday, researchers are still hard at work on finding ways to treat, manage, and prevent AFib and its complications.
Which Type of Atrial Fibrillation Do You Have?AFib doesn’t so much have types as it has durations. Doctors classify it by how long it lasts, or what causes it.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a quivery, fluttery heartbeat. You might also hear the doctor call it arrhythmia.
The Costs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)If you have AFib, treating it cuts your risk of having a stroke. But it can be costly, even if you have insurance.
Latest Research on Atrial FibrillationToday, researchers are still hard at work on finding ways to treat, manage, and prevent AFib and its complications.
Which Type of Atrial Fibrillation Do You Have?AFib doesn’t so much have types as it has durations. Doctors classify it by how long it lasts, or what causes it.
What Is Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation?When your heartbeat returns to normal within 7 days, on its own or with treatment, it's known as paroxysmal AFib.
AFib With Rapid Ventricular Response (RVR)Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is a fancy name for an irregular heartbeat.
What Is Lone AFib?Some younger people with no sign of heart disease or other health issues can also get AFib. Some experts call it lone AFib.
Causes & Risks
Causes, Risk Factors, and TriggersThe basic cause of AFib is disorganized signals that make your heart's two upper chambers squeeze very fast and out of sync.
AFib and Diabetes: What’s the Link?Studies have found that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes likely raise your risk of developing AFib.
What's the Link Between AFib and Thyroid Disease?If you have hyperthyroidism, you have a much higher chance of getting AFib. And the odds go up as you get older.
Does an Endocrine Disorder Raise Your AFib Risk?There are dozens of endocrine disorders, but a few are considered especially strong risk factors for AFib.
Causes, Risk Factors, and TriggersThe basic cause of AFib is disorganized signals that make your heart's two upper chambers squeeze very fast and out of sync.
AFib and Diabetes: What’s the Link?Studies have found that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes likely raise your risk of developing AFib.
What's the Link Between AFib and Thyroid Disease?If you have hyperthyroidism, you have a much higher chance of getting AFib. And the odds go up as you get older.
Does an Endocrine Disorder Raise Your AFib Risk?There are dozens of endocrine disorders, but a few are considered especially strong risk factors for AFib.
Atrial Fibrillation and InflammationResearch shows that inflammation can cause AFib or make it worse. Other studies say that AFib alone can spark inflammation.
Wandering Atrial PacemakerA wandering atrial pacemaker is a rare form of a condition called arrhythmia. In some people, it can lead to AFib.
Conditions You May Have Along With AFibWhen you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), there’s a chance you could have another health condition as well.
Does Alcohol Cause AFib?A recent study found a strong link between drinking one to three drinks a day and getting AFib.
Coffee and Atrial Fibrillation: Is There a Link?Many studies have been done, and it does not seem that there’s a link between drinking coffee and getting AFib.
Symptoms
Tests & Diagnosis
How Atrial Fibrillation Is DiagnosedAFib may or may not cause symptoms. Your doctor could find it during a regular physical.
Transesophageal EchocardiogramTo help diagnose AFib, your doctor may use a transesophageal echocardiogram to see how blood flows through heart valves.
Newly Diagnosed With AFib: What to KnowStudies show that people with AFib who understand their condition and what it means to them have fewer symptoms.
Your Atrial Fibrillation Medical TeamIf you have AFib, you'll need help keeping your heart in a normal rhythm. Various specialists will make up your AFib team.
How Atrial Fibrillation Is DiagnosedAFib may or may not cause symptoms. Your doctor could find it during a regular physical.
Transesophageal EchocardiogramTo help diagnose AFib, your doctor may use a transesophageal echocardiogram to see how blood flows through heart valves.
Newly Diagnosed With AFib: What to KnowStudies show that people with AFib who understand their condition and what it means to them have fewer symptoms.
Your Atrial Fibrillation Medical TeamIf you have AFib, you'll need help keeping your heart in a normal rhythm. Various specialists will make up your AFib team.
Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment of AFibWith AFib, disparities come from a complicated mix of race, ethnicity, gender, age biases, and social and economic factors.
AFib: Prognosis and Life ExpectancyWhen your doctor diagnoses you with atrial fibrillation (AFib), you might wonder what to expect with your prognosis.
Treatment
What Are the Treatments for AFib?Treatments such as medications, nonsurgical procedures, and surgery can slow your heartbeat and bring it back into a normal rhythm.
What Is HAS-BLED?Your HAS-BLED score tells the doctor how to manage your care. This way, everyone who has AFib is not treated the same way.
Heart Rate Control for Atrial FibrillationHeart rate control is a key way to manage atrial fibrillation. Doctors consider it one of the four pillars of AFib care.
Rhythm Control Strategies for Atrial FibrillationOne way to control AFib is to take rhythm control medication, which helps your heart return to and stay in a normal rhythm.
What Are the Treatments for AFib?Treatments such as medications, nonsurgical procedures, and surgery can slow your heartbeat and bring it back into a normal rhythm.
What Is HAS-BLED?Your HAS-BLED score tells the doctor how to manage your care. This way, everyone who has AFib is not treated the same way.
Heart Rate Control for Atrial FibrillationHeart rate control is a key way to manage atrial fibrillation. Doctors consider it one of the four pillars of AFib care.
Rhythm Control Strategies for Atrial FibrillationOne way to control AFib is to take rhythm control medication, which helps your heart return to and stay in a normal rhythm.
Clinical Trials for Atrial FibrillationThrough clinical trials, researchers are constantly working on safer and more effective ways to treat AFib.
Medications That Treat Atrial FibrillationFor many people with AFib, medicine is the best treatment option. Learn which medicines your doctor could prescribe.
Are Direct Thrombin Inhibitors Effective for AFib?People with AFib are usually prescribed a blood thinner, such as direct thrombin inhibitors, to reduce the risk of clots.
Factor Xa Inhibitors for AFibResearch shows that a class of blood thinner called a factor Xa inhibitor is a good option for treating AFib long-term.
Anticoagulants Used to Treat AFibAnticoagulants lower your chance of a stroke when you have AFib. Learn how these drugs work, who gets them, and what the risks are
Preventing Blood Clots with EliquisEliquis (apixaban) is a type of blood thinner known as a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). It is classified as a Xa inhibitor.
AFib Treatments: ACE Inhibitors and ARBsAngiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers can have protective effects against AFib.
Calcium Channel Blockers for AFib: What to KnowCalcium channel blockers treat AFib by slowing your heart rate and relaxing the heart muscle.
What to Know About Digoxin LevelsDigoxin is a medication used to help treat heart failure and heartbeat irregularities.
AFib: Long-Term Blood Thinner UseIf you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), your doctor may suggest long-term blood thinners, also called anticoagulants.
Does Fish Oil Help AFib?You may be thinking about taking fish oil for your health. When it comes to AFib, should you reel it in or cut it loose?
Medications You Should Avoid With AFibIf you have other medical conditions along with AFib, you might have to watch out for possible drug interactions.
Will I Need a Pacemaker for My Atrial Fibrillation?If you have AFib and your heart is beating too slowly, your doctor may recommend a pacemaker along with other treatment.
Cardioversion for AFibIf you have AFib, your doctor will probably suggest a treatment called cardioversion to help you get a normal rhythm back.
Cardioversion vs. Ablation for AFibTwo common nondrug treatments for AFib are cardioversion and cardiac ablation. You may get one or both.
Cardiac AblationThe doctor may try cardiac ablation if medications and resetting your heartbeat -- also called cardioversion -- don’t work.
What to Expect From Cardiac Ablation for AFibOften, cardiac ablation eases your symptoms and returns your heartbeat to normal. It may also lower your chances of a stroke.
Catheter Ablation as a Heart Arrhythmia TreatmentCatheter ablation is a way to treat irregular heartbeats like AFib, atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Surgery and Other Procedures for AFibSome meds can control your heart rate or can convert the heart's rhythm back to normal, but you might also have surgery.
Maze Procedure (Surgical Ablation) for AFibIf you have AFib, you may need surgery, called the maze procedure, or surgical ablation, to normalize your heart rhythm.
Hybrid Surgical-Catheter Ablation for AFibIf your AFib doesn't respond to meds or cardiac ablations, your doctor may suggest a hybrid surgical-catheter ablation.
Left Atrial Appendage Percutaneous Closure SurgeryYour doctor might recommend LAA percutaneous closure surgery if you're at risk for clots in your left atrial appendage.
Living With
Tips for Living With AFibLife with AFib has its challenges. But with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can stay active and energetic.
How to Stop an AFib EpisodeYou may be able to take some steps to help ease AFib symptoms when they start.
Is Taking Supplements OK When You Have AFib?Talk to your doctor about supplements before you start taking them, to make sure you don't cause problems with your meds.
AFib: Why Weight Loss HelpsIf you’re obese -- meaning you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher -- you’re twice as likely to have AFib.
Tips for Living With AFibLife with AFib has its challenges. But with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can stay active and energetic.
How to Stop an AFib EpisodeYou may be able to take some steps to help ease AFib symptoms when they start.
Is Taking Supplements OK When You Have AFib?Talk to your doctor about supplements before you start taking them, to make sure you don't cause problems with your meds.
AFib: Why Weight Loss HelpsIf you’re obese -- meaning you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher -- you’re twice as likely to have AFib.
Working When You Have AFibIf you’re living with atrial fibrillation (AFib), you may wonder if it will affect your job as you manage your symptoms.
AFib and Your RelationshipsJust as your AFib affects you, it affects your partner, family, and friends.
What to Know About AFib and Your Mental HealthIf you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), some research suggests you’re more likely to have depression and anxiety.
How to Sleep Better With Atrial FibrillationWhat can you do to make sure you’re getting enough sleep when you have AFib?
Resources for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)When you’re looking for resources for atrial fibrillation (AFib), these sources will get you started on the right track.
Complications
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