OverviewAtrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Show
During atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. For many people, A-fib may have no symptoms. However, A-fib may cause a fast, pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath or weakness. Episodes of atrial fibrillation may come and go, or they may be persistent. Although A-fib itself usually isn't life-threatening, it's a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent stroke. Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals. A person with atrial fibrillation may also have a related heart rhythm problem called atrial flutter. Although atrial flutter is a different arrhythmia, the treatment is quite similar to atrial fibrillation. SymptomsSome people with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) don't notice any symptoms. Those who do have atrial fibrillation symptoms may have signs and symptoms such as:
Atrial fibrillation may be:
When to see a doctorIf you have any signs or symptoms of atrial fibrillation, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have chest pain, seek immediate medical help. Chest pain could mean that you're having a heart attack. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing
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In atrial fibrillation, the signals in the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic. As a result, the upper chambers shake (quiver). The AV node is then bombarded with signals trying to get through to the lower heart chambers (ventricles). This causes a fast and irregular heart rhythm. The heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute. The normal range for a heart rate is 60 to 100 beats a minute. Causes of atrial fibrillationProblems with the heart's structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include:
Some people who have atrial fibrillation have no known heart problems or heart damage. Risk factorsThings that can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) include:
ComplicationsBlood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation that can lead to stroke. In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers (atria) and form clots. If a blood clot in the left upper chamber (left atrium) breaks free from the heart area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. The risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase your risk of a stroke due to A-fib, including:
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. PreventionHealthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation. Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
Oct. 19, 2021 What is the difference between AFib and AFib with RVR?In people with A-fib, the heart beats irregularly and often too quickly, getting out of sync with the two lower chambers. A-fib episodes can come and go or become persistent and require medical treatment. In a case of A-fib with RVR, the faulty electrical signals are not confined to the upper chambers of the heart.
What causes atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response?Rapid ventricular rate or response (RVR)
AFib is caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart. These chambers fibrillate, or quiver, rapidly. The result is a rapid and irregular pumping of blood through the heart.
How do you treat atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response?In this study, metoprolol was the most commonly used agent for atrial fibrillation with RVR. Metoprolol had a lower failure rate than amiodarone and was superior to diltiazem in achieving rate control at 4-hours.
What heart rate is rapid ventricular response?The heart's upper chambers beat too quickly, prompting the upper heart to beat as many as 300 times per minute or more and the lower heart to beat as many as 100-200 times per minute. When the lower heart rate is higher than 100 beats per minute, it is called a rapid ventricular response (RVR).
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