Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a type of arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) that affects almost five million Americans. It often originates in the left atrium (the upper left chamber of the heart). When atrial fibrillation occurs, the upper heart chambers beat in an unorganized rhythm. An A-fib heart rate is usually rapid, resulting in 100-200 beats per minute rather than the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute. If left untreated, A-fib can lead to chronic fatigue, congestive heart failure or stroke.
The types of A-fib include:
The risk factors for A-fib can vary from family history to other medical conditions to lifestyle choices. Managing controllable risk factors can reduce the chance of developing A-fib.
Key risk factors of A-fib include:
The sinus node acts as the heart's rhythm keeper, sending a signal through the two upper chambers and two lower chambers to keep the heartbeat on track. When this signal becomes chaotic, as occurs with A-fib, the chambers struggle to work together and result in a fast, irregular heart rhythm.
Typically, some sort of structural issue within the heart causes A-fib. Potential causes of atrial fibrillation include:
Common A-fib symptoms include:
Commonly, patients report an increase of A-fib symptoms at night. The symptoms of A-fib can serve as a warning sign for a patient to seek medical attention.
When diagnosing A-fib, a cardiologist will first conduct a medical history and physical examination. Listening to the heart with a stethoscope is often enough to detect an irregular heartbeat, but the cardiologist will likely order tests or procedures to rule out other possible conditions, such as:
The goal of treatment for A-fib is to reset or control the heart rhythm while preventing blood clots that can lead to stroke. The Brigham and Women’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Service offers state-of-the-art atrial fibrillation treatment and comprehensive cardiovascular care in a world-class medical facility. It is important to treat atrial fibrillation promptly because the condition can worsen over time as the heart muscles weaken, making it even more difficult for the atria to function properly.
Treatment may involve several options, including medication, ablation, therapy and surgery. Specialists from the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service develop individualized treatment plans for patients based on:
We offer a variety of treatments, such as:
If you are having surgery or a procedure, you will likely be scheduled for a visit to the Watkins Clinic for pre-operative information and tests. The day of surgery, your care will be provided by surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in surgery for patients with atrial fibrillation. After surgery, you will go to the post-surgical care unit, where you will receive comprehensive care from an experienced surgical and nursing staff.
During your surgery, family and friends can wait in the Shapiro Family Center. Staff members will provide surgery updates, and caregivers who leave the hospital will be contacted by cell phone.
While A-fib typically is not life-threatening, it can increase the risk of stroke if left untreated.
An irregular heart rhythm brought on by A-fib can increase the risk of blood clots, which furthers the chance of stroke, heart failure or other heart conditions.
A-fib is a heart condition, the most common form of heart arrhythmia. If left untreated, A-fib can lead to additional heart problems.
A-fib affects more than five million adults in the United States every year. A-fib is most common in older people, affecting one in 10 people over the age of 80.
The normal heart rate for someone without A-fib typically runs from 60-100 beats per minute, while a patient with A-fib may see a heart rate jump to 100-200 beats per minute.
An irregular heart rhythm from A-fib is erratic, whereas heart palpitations increase the heart rate in a fixed rhythm that eventually returns to normal.
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, our atrial fibrillation specialists provide expert evaluation and diagnosis with the aid of the latest in advanced imaging technologies. Treatment is provided by some of the world’s most experienced physicians in cardiac electrophysiology (the study of the heart’s electrical system). Together, they perform more than 3,000 procedures annually, utilizing the latest medications, devices and innovative care approaches. We offer patients personalized care and expertise that includes ongoing communication and education throughout treatment, outpatient care and follow-up.
Patients receive care from cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular imaging experts and radiologists, and anesthesiologists. They work alongside nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients.
For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.
About BWH
