Atrial fibrillation
- Suzanne Walsh, Stroke Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- 3 minute read
- Last updated: October 2023
Atrial fibrillation (also know as A-Fib or AF) is an irregular heartbeat that is often abnormally fast. It begins in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). With AFib, blood clots can form in the heart, which can then lead to a stroke.
What is Atrial Fibrillation
When the heart is working normally, it contracts and relaxes in a regular rhythm. This allows the blood to flow normally. If you have AFib, the atria quiver instead of contracting properly, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. These include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and chest discomfort. However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all and only discover their condition through routine medical check-ups.The main problem with AFib is that it disrupts the normal blood flow in the heart, which can lead to blood clots. These blood clots can travel to other parts of the body. If they travel to the brain, they can cause a stroke.
You may be at increased risk of developing AFib if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or certain medical conditions such as thyroid issues. Drinking alcohol excessively also raises your risk.
Video source: The British Heart Foundation via YouTube
Treating Atrial Fibrillation
Treating AFib typically involves managing your heart rate and rhythm as well as taking steps to prevent blood clots. This can be done through medication, lifestyle changes and sometimes medical procedures like electric cardioversion or catheter ablation.
Electric cardioversion aims to reset your abnormal heart rate. A low-energy electrical current is sent to your heart through paddles or patches that are put on your chest.
With catheter ablation, a thin, flexible tube (a catheter) is inserted into your heart through a blood vessel. The catheter delivers targeted energy that destroys or isolates the tissue causing the irregular heartbeat.
If you suspect you have AFib or if you have any symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Medications for Atrial Fibrillation
There are many different medications that can help you manage AFib and reduce your risk of complications, particularly the risk of stroke.
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Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants help prevent blood clots from forming. Blood clots can form in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) because of the irregular blood flow caused by AFib. Anticoagulants thin the blood and make it less likely to clot, reducing the risk of stroke.
Examples: Warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban or rivaroxiban -
Rate control medications
Examples: Beta blockers and digoxin.
These medications are used to slow down your heart rate. They can help ease A-Fib symptoms and prevent complications. -
Rhythm control medications
Examples: amiodarone and sotalol.
Rhythm control medications, which are also called antiarrhythmics, are prescribed to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm. They work to stabilise and regulate the electrical impulses in your heart. Not everyone with AFib needs this type of medication. Your healthcare team will be able to advise you which combination of treatments are right for you.
