Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a kind of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, that may have critical well being penalties if left untreated. AFib is the commonest kind of arrhythmia, affecting tens of millions of individuals worldwide, and its prevalence is predicted to extend because the inhabitants ages. AFib happens when {the electrical} impulses that regulate the heartbeat grow to be chaotic, inflicting the atria, or higher chambers of the center, to quiver as an alternative of contracting usually.
This may result in a spread of signs, together with coronary heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest ache. In some instances, nevertheless, AFib could not trigger any noticeable signs in any respect. One of many largest risks of AFib is its affiliation with an elevated threat of stroke.
When the atria quiver as an alternative of contracting usually, blood can pool within the chambers, growing the danger of blood clots. If a clot kinds and travels to the mind, it may well trigger a stroke, which may be life-threatening or end in everlasting incapacity. Along with stroke, AFib also can result in different critical well being problems, together with coronary heart failure, which happens when the center is unable to pump sufficient blood to satisfy the physique’s wants.
AFib also can result in a situation often called cardiomyopathy, which happens when the center muscle turns into weakened and enlarged, making it harder for the center to operate corre.