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Conditions

Atrial fib/Atrial flutter

Definition:

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Atrial fibrillation/flutter is a heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of your heart called the atria, contract in an abnormal manner. Your pulse may feel rapid and irregular. Normal heart rate is 60 to 100, but in atrial fib your heart rate may increase to 100 to 175.

One of the biggest dangers with atrial fibrillation is a stroke. Because your atria are contracting abnormally, blood can pool in your heart and clots may form and travel to your brain causing a stroke.

Atrial fibrillation/flutter can be caused by a dysfunction of your sinus node which is the natural pacemaker of your heart. The sinus node generates electrical impulses and tells your heart when to pump, thus controlling your heart rate. If your sinus node does may not work properly causing your heart rate to alternate between slow and fast. The abnormal heart contractions can decrease the pumping action of the heart, and prevent the body from getting the blood flow it needs. There are many other heart disorders (mitral valve disorders, coronary artery disease, etc.) that can cause atrial fibrillation/flutter and your doctor can diagnose these with specific tests.

Symptoms:

Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Rapid or slow pulse (irregular heartbeat)
Dizziness
Confusion
Fainting
Sensation of feeling your heart beat

Treatment:

Your doctor may order several test to determine if you have atrial fibrillation/ flutter. Long term treatment may require certain medications. A cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology or EP, treats rhythm disorders of the heart and can perform specialized procedures such as cardioversion or atrial ablation to treat atrial fib. In some cases an emergency procedure is needed to convert the heart to a normal rhythm. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about any treatment.