Atrial Fibrillation Overview
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, and often rapid, heart rate that causes poor blood flow to the body.
During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) quiver — instead of beating effectively — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart.
Atrial fibrillation affects more than 2.2 million Americans. It’s the most frequently diagnosed form of cardiac arrhythmia.
Atrial fibrillation complications and risks
Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn't life-threatening, it can lead to complications.
Atrial fibrillation causes blood to be pumped improperly, resulting in pooling or clotting.
If a blood clot moves to an artery in the brain, it can lead to stroke. In fact, about 15 percent of all strokes occur in people who have atrial fibrillation.
Untreated atrial fibrillation can also lead to other serious, potentially life-threatening conditions, including:
Atrial fibrillation is very common, particularly among people over 60.
At any age, your risk for atrial fibrillation is more likely if you:
- Are overweight
- Do not exercise regularly
- Are under chronic mental stress
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or other heart problems
About the UPMC Center for Atrial Fibrillation
The Center for Atrial Fibrillation is a UPMC Center of Excellence, and the first in western Pennsylvania established to further the study of atrial fibrillation and educate patients and families about the condition.
Our multidisciplinary group provides the latest treatment options and education for people with atrial fibrillation.
About the UPMC Cardiac Electrophysiology Program
The UPMC Cardiac Electrophysiology Program is the largest in western Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the United States.
We treat cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, and other heart disorders associated with a high risk of sudden death.
Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation
Changes in your heart, as a result of heart disease or high blood pressure, can often cause atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation symptoms
Episodes of atrial fibrillation can be chronic or can come and go.
People with atrial fibrillation often have a fast heart beat, sometimes reaching as high as 170 beats per minute.
Other symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include:
- Heart palpitations (fluttering in the chest)
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Testing for atrial fibrillation
Although feeling your pulse may be enough for your doctor to suspect atrial fibrillation, you’ll still need to undergo a thorough physical exam and evaluation.
Following your exam, your doctor may order additional tests and procedures to help confirm a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, such as:
- Blood tests
- Chest x-rays
- An electrocardiogram
- An echocardiogram
- A holter monitor
- an event recorder
- An electrophysiology (EP) study
Testing results
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your test results and will call you when they're available.