Atrial Fibrillation
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.
Complications of atrial fibrillation
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.
Atrial fibrillation also increases your risk of congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).
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.
What distinguishes our program?
- Our subspecialty centers — for evaluating and managing atrial arrhythmias, and infected implanted pacemakers and other heart-rhythm devices.
- Our program leaders — pioneers of novel ablation procedures for restoring normal heart rhythm.
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