Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition which results in an irregular, and often fast, heart beat. The irregular beat, or arrhythmia, is caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart and can be a complication of a number of diseases. The irregularity can be continuous, or it can come and go.

Severe symptoms can be life-threatening but most people with AF have no or only mild symptoms.

Treatment can ease symptoms and restore the heart rate back to normal in some cases. In addition, drugs such as warfarin or aspirin are commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of having a stroke which is the main risk from having atrial fibrillation.

For further information about atrial fibrillation, visit one of the sections below:

 

 

 

Last updated: 29/10/2007