Atrial fibrillation is a problem with your heart rhythm- the speed and pattern of your heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart problem, affecting people of all ages and races. Atrial fibrillation by itself is rarely life-threatening. It can lead to other health problems, such as stroke or heart failure. But these problems often can be prevented if your atrial fibrillation is managed.
If you have atrial fibrillation, you may have experienced one of the following symptoms:
- Palpitations (fluttering, fast heartbeat)
- Weakness or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting spells
Medications may help control atrial fibrillation. Some of these medicines, antiarrhythmics, can slow heart rate and keep it regular. By keeping the rhythm normal, they help improve the way your heart pumps. The three most common antiarrhythmics are digoxin, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. Other medications, anticoagulants, help prevent blood clots from forming. Aspirin is sometimes used as an anticoagulant, and Coumadin is a prescription anticoagulant. Medications may need to be taken for many months or years. Cardioversion is a way to restore your heart's normal rhythm. Chemical cardioversion is done with medications, and electric cardioversion uses electricity to help your heartbeat become normal again.
If medications or electric cardioversion do not help your atrial fibrillation, a procedure called catheter ablation is occasionally done. Catheter ablation destroys a few of the cells in the atria that are causing the fast heart rhythm. A pacemaker may be needed to send signals that keep the ventricles beating at the right speed.
