HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Atrial fibrillation (AF)
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Atrial fibrillation (often called AF or AFib) is a problem with the heart's electrical system, causing a change in the heart's rhythm. Instead of a normal steady heartbeat, the heartbeat is fast and varies in speed (irregular).
AF is the commonest heart rhythm problem, especially in those over the age of 65. AF can be permanent or can come and go (known as paroxysmal AF).
If you have AF, you're more at risk of having a stroke. This is because the AF can cause blood clots to form in your heart. The blood clots can break off and travel to your brain, which can cause a stroke.
Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation and is diagnosed and treated in the same way.
Causes of AF
Several things make you more likely to have AF. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, being overweight, drinking alcohol and sleep apnoea.
Symptoms of AF
Many people with AF do not know have any symptoms and it's only picked up when their pulse is checked.
If you have AF, you may feel your heart racing or having extra beats (palpitations). You may also feel short of breath, dizzy or weak. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your GP.
Diagnosing AF
AF is diagnosed by checking your pulse to feel if it's beating regularly. Your GP or practice nurse can do this or you can learn to do this yourself.
If your heartbeat is abnormal, you will have an Electrocardiogram (ECG) test to check for atrial fibrillation.
If your atrial fibrillation comes and goes, you may have a test that involves wearing a Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a device that records your heartbeat for 24 to 48 hours.
Self-care for AF
Following the advice on Preventing angina and heart attacks will reduce your chance of getting AF and help if you have AF.
Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and getting help for sleep apnoea will also help.
Treating AF
There are several treatment options for AF, including:
- heart rate slowing medications, so your heart beats at a normal speed
- rhythm control medications that try to restore your normal heart rhythm
- blood thinning medicines (called anticoagulants) to reduce your chance of having a stroke.
Cardioversion is a treatment option for some people with atrial fibrillation. This is when an electric shock is applied to your chest to restore your heart rhythm. It's done under a general anaesthetic.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- British Heart Foundation – What is atrial fibrillation?
A video showing how AF affects your heart.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Canterbury DHB
- Atrial fibrillation (AF)
A leaflet about the symptoms, causes and treatment for atrial fibrillation.
- What can I do for my atrial fibrillation?
A leaflet about lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the amount of atrial fibrillation you have.
- When should I seek medical help with atrial fibrillation?
A leaflet about when you should seek medical help if you experience atrial fibrillation.
- Blood-thinning medicines for atrial fibrillation
A leaflet about blood thinning medicines (anticoagulants) for atrial fibrillation.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF)
- Heart Foundation – Staying well with atrial fibrillation
Information about taking control of your atrial fibrillation.
On the next page: Treating atrial fibrillation (AF)
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2021.
Review key: HIAFB-25271
