Atrial Fibrillation & Cardiac Arrhythmias

Quick facts about atrial fibrillation & cardiac arrhythmias

  • Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrythmia) that causes the upper heart chambers to quiver instead of beating normally.

  • It can feel like your heart is racing, thumping or skipping beats.

  • Atrial fibrillation can cause clots and lead to a stroke; and may be a sign that you have coronary heart disease (blocked arteries).

  • Causes may include long-term high blood pressure, problems with your heart valves, overactive thyroid. Some medicines or diseases can also be a trigger.

  • Treatment options may include medication or an implantable medical device to help restore the heartbeat to a normal rhythm.

About the condition of atrial fibrillation

  • When your heart has an abnormal rhythm, we call this an arrythmia.

  • Atrial fibrillation is one type of arrythmia.

  • It starts in the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) and causes them to quiver (fibrillate), instead of beating normally.

  • It can feel like your heart is racing, thumping or skipping beats.

Causes of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia

  • Arrhythmias are caused by problems in your heart’s electrical system.

  • The most common causes of atrial fibrillation are long-term high blood pressure or problems with your heart valves.

  • It can also be caused when your thyroid is too active (which can be treated) or be triggered by some medicines or diseases (like pneumonia).

  • Sometimes we don’t know why you develop the condition, but it’s important to get checked out if you experience any of the symptoms. 

  • Arrythmias are serious because when your heart can’t pump blood around your body as efficiently as it should it can lead to other serious health risks.

  • Atrial fibrillation can cause clots that block blood supply to your vital organs and lead to a stroke. It may also be a sign that you have coronary heart disease (blocked arteries).

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation can cause symptoms like:

  • a 'fluttering' heartbeat

  • an irregular pulse

  • weakness 

  • tiredness

  • dizziness

  • more obvious palpations after exercise, feeling stressed or drinking caffeine

Symptoms can be experienced as a single episode; they might come and go or could be a permanent feeling.

Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia

Tests can confirm atrial fibrillation. These are not invasive and will help diagnose and treat any issues:

Treatment for atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia

  • Treatments for atrial fibrilliation and cardia arrhythmias depends on your symptoms, underlying cause and how long you’ve had the problem.

  • Medication is an option for some arrhythmias. These can help restore the heart beat to normal for a period of time.

  • In other cases, treatment using an implantable medical device may be recommended.

As with all heart conditions, managing risk factors for heart disease will help you avoid more heart problems:

  • Get more exercise – 30 mins moderate exercise 5 days per week is recommended

  • Monitor your blood pressure – track any changes using a home blood pressure monitor

  • Balance your cholesterol – high cholesterol in your blood can lead to a heart attack or stroke

  • Stay smoke free – smoking is bad for your heart, it’s best just to stop

  • Manage body weight – eat a balanced diet that matches your age, gender and activity level