Question 1

what is atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Fast irregular pulse: When the small chambers of the heart  ( atria) are beating very fast ( more than 300 beats per minute) the  larger chambers beat fast and irregularly.

Question 2

what is atrial fibrillation a symptom of?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm in which the atria beat at nearly 400 beats/min. It is common in older patients as a reflection of aging of the conduction system. In younger patients it can be caused by alcohol and drug abuse. It can also occur when the heart dilates as in congestive heart failure. The abnormal contractions put patients at risk for blood clots which may cause strokes.

Question 3

what is atrial fibrillation? is it serious?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Atrial fibrillation is a very common arrhythmia, often unclear in origin, but usually due to enlarged upper heart chambers (atria).  High blood pressure, heart valve problems, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, coronary disease, alcohol, or even spontaneous in normal people.  Some drop in energy may be noted, but one can live normally with it.  Blood thinners to minimize strokes important if persists.

Question 4

what is atrial fibrillation a risk factor for?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation can lead to::   Congestive heart failure, Ischemic bowel disease, Sleep apnea, Transient ischemic attack, Stroke, Heart failure.

Question 5

how to know what is atrial fibrillation and is it serious?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor : Af is the commonest heart rhythm disturbance in humans. In af, the top chambers (atria) twitter and twitch instead of pumping normally. Af can be serious for some patients, but not for all. Please see your doctor, preferably a cardiologist, ideally an electrophysiologist, and they'll help you sort it out.

Question 6

what is atrial fibrillation and can it develop in people under the age of 50?

Accepted Answer

: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that can result in poor end organ perfusion and increase the propensity of having blood clots in the brain causing strokes. It can affect any person at any age, much more common in 50’s and over.

Question 7

what is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Irregular pulse: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that is intermittent (or paroxysmal), arising from the upper chambers of the heart (or atria), and is very chaotic, or irregular (fibrillating). It can cause problems because it usually drives the heart rate up too fast (giving symptoms and eventually weakening the heart) and can increase the risk of stroke. Causes of PAF are multiple.

Question 8

what is pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Incredibly complex: This still remains unknown to a large extent. We know the pathophysiology is not the same in everyone. Many people have afib as a result of frequent bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the pulmonary veins, which enter the heart and trigger atrial muscle fibrillation. However, stretching of atrial muscle can be a stimulus to trigger fibrillation, as can ischemia (limited blood flow) in some.

Question 9

what is more dangerous, atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

For: Any chances to "recover" from vfib one need to be in an intensive care an hooked to an ekg. And a slim chance to live. If someone collapses on the street, help has to come in minutes to jump heart back to normal rhythm. People who go in vfib have an underlying and severe heart disease.
Conclusion vfib kills a afib can be controlled, even normal rhythm may be restored. Big difference!

Question 10

what is the effect of atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate / stroke: Two issues with afib.  The first is stroke.  Afib is a risk for stroke, and thus all patients with afib need some sort of blood thinner.  Whether that is an Aspirin or full anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) depends on your risks and your doctor will let you know that.  The second is heart rate.   If the afib is too fast or too slow, the rate will need to be treated also.

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What is atrial fibrillation

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What is atrial fibrillation?

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What is atrial fibrillation a symptom of?

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What is atrial fibrillation? is it serious?

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What is atrial fibrillation a risk factor for?

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How to know what is atrial fibrillation and is it serious?

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What is atrial fibrillation and can it develop in people under the age of 50?

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What is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?

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What is pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation?

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What is more dangerous, atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation?

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What is the effect of atrial fibrillation?

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