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Atrial Fibrillation

The most common cardiac rhythm disorder, caused by irregular and rapid contractions of the upper chambers of the heart.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) develops when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria), instead of contracting in a coordinated rhythm, show chaotic and trembling electrical activity. This results in an irregular and often rapid heartbeat.

AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and affects roughly 5–10% of the population over the age of 65. Because blood can pool (stasis) in the atria, the risk of forming a clot that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke is significantly increased.

AF may occur in episodes (paroxysmal), be persistent, or become permanent. The goal of treatment is both to control the rhythm or rate and to reduce the risk of stroke.

Symptoms

Palpitations — sensing the heart beating irregularly, rapidly, or forcefully
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Chest discomfort or a sense of pressure
Weakness and fatigue
Marked reduction in exercise capacity
Sometimes no symptoms at all (silent AF)

Risk Factors

Advancing age (over 65)
Hypertension and heart valve disease
Heart failure and coronary artery disease
Obesity and sleep apnea
Excessive alcohol use ('holiday heart syndrome')
Hyperthyroidism and other metabolic conditions
Family history of AF

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If you experience sudden palpitations or an irregular pulse
  • If palpitations are accompanied by dizziness or fainting, seek emergency care
  • If speech difficulty, facial asymmetry, or arm weakness (signs of stroke) develop, call emergency services
  • If your known AF no longer responds to medication
  • If new shortness of breath and chest pain occur

Treatment Methods

01
Rate control: beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers
02
Rhythm control: antiarrhythmic drugs or electrical cardioversion
03
Catheter ablation (in recurrent or drug-refractory AF)
04
Stroke prevention: oral anticoagulants (warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants)
05
Treatment of underlying risk factors (hypertension, sleep apnea, obesity)
06
Regular cardiology follow-up with echocardiography

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Peripheral Artery Disease

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Peripheral artery disease can cause leg pain with walking (claudication) and, in advanced stages, tissue loss.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.