What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a disturbance of the heart’s rhythm. It begins in the upper chambers of the heart called the atria. These chambers act as preload pumps, helping fill the heart with blood before it is pumped to the rest of the body.

Normally, the atria beat in sync with the lower chambers of the heart called the ventricles. This coordination between the atria and ventricles helps increase the heart’s pumping efficiency and overall cardiac output.

During atrial fibrillation, that synchrony is lost. The atria begin to beat rapidly and chaotically instead of contracting in a coordinated way.

This can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness. In some cases, it can even cause fainting.

Atrial fibrillation can be a very serious heart rhythm disorder. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as congestive heart failure or stroke.