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What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

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Simple Answer

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a common type of arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. With AFib, the heart beats irregularly and sometimes much faster than normal.

What It Means

This matters because the upper and lower chambers of the heart do not work together as they should. That can mean the lower chambers do not fill completely or pump enough blood to the lungs and body. AFib can also raise the risk of stroke and other heart conditions.

When to Contact a Doctor

Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or a pounding heartbeat. Some people have no symptoms at all and only learn about AFib during a checkup.

Get Urgent Help If…

Seek emergency medical care if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or think you are having a heart attack.

AFib can happen in brief episodes or be a permanent condition. It is important to get it treated.

Sources

This information is based on these free U.S. government medical sources:

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This service provides general medical information and education. It does not diagnose medical conditions or replace care from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.