This is a disorder of the anterior chambers of the heart, in which the normal stimuli to make the heart contract do not originate in the sinus node, but rather in different places, thus causing a chaotic, irregular rhythm in the anterior chambers.
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias and becomes more frequent with age: from the age of 40, you have a one-in-four chance of ever developing atrial fibrillation.
You do not normally feel your heart beating, unless you are tense or making a strenuous effort. In atrial fibrillation, the heart sometimes beats too rapidly and always irregularly. This can cause palpitations, shortness of breath at rest or during exertion, dizziness, unusual fatigue, fainting or chest pain.
Unfortunately, in one in three people, atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and the condition is sometimes discovered too late. Atrial fibrillation can reduce your quality of life. Without the right treatment, there is an increased risk of heart failure and the risk of a thrombosis or stroke is five times greater. That is why it is very important to make a timely diagnosis.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
