Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common and serious cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular electrical activity in the atria, leading to ineffective atrial contractions and an irregularly irregular ventricular response. It results from disorganized atrial impulses, often exceeding 500 per minute, which overwhelm the AV node and cause chaotic ventricular activation. This condition is associated with abnormal automaticity and reentry mechanisms, and it significantly increases the risk of stroke due to blood stasis and clot formation in the left atrial appendage. AFib can present as paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent, with symptoms including palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Risk factors include advancing age, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, heart failure, and structural heart disease. If untreated, it can lead to reduced cardiac output, heart failure, and long-term complications, necessitating prompt medical evaluation and management to prevent morbidity and mortality.