Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib or AF, is a common heart rhythm problem. It happens when the upper chambers of the heart beat in a fast, irregular or disorganized way.

When your heart rhythm is irregular, your heart may not pump blood as well as it should. Blood can also pool in the heart and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

Some people with AFib have clear symptoms. Others do not feel symptoms at all. With early diagnosis and the right care plan, many people with AFib can manage symptoms and lower their risk of serious problems.

At Banner Health, our heart specialists diagnose and treat AFib with personalized care. Your care may include medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation or stroke prevention options.

How does AFib affect your heart?

Your heart has four chambers:

• Two upper chambers called the atria
• Two lower chambers called the ventricles

A normal heartbeat starts with electrical signals in the heart. These signals help the heart beat in a steady rhythm.

With AFib, the electrical signals become irregular. The atria quiver instead of beating normally. This can cause:

• A fast or irregular heartbeat
• Poor blood flow through the heart
• Blood clots
• A higher risk of stroke 
• A higher risk of heart failure 

Why is early AFib diagnosis important?

AFib can come and go. Some people only feel symptoms once in a while. Others do not notice symptoms, especially at first.

Finding AFib early can help your care team:

• Confirm what is causing your symptoms
• Control your heart rate or rhythm
• Lower your risk of stroke
• Find related conditions, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea
• Improve your quality of life

Learn more about AFib diagnosis.

What are common AFib symptoms?

AFib symptoms can be mild or severe. They may happen suddenly or build over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Heart palpitations: You may feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping beats.
• Shortness of breath: You may feel winded during activity or when lying down.
• Fatigue or weakness: You may feel more tired than usual, even during normal daily activities.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: You may feel faint, dizzy or unsteady.
• Chest discomfort: Some people with AFib have chest pain, pressure or tightness.

Talk to a health care provider if you have symptoms of AFib, especially if they are new, getting worse or happening more often.

When should you seek emergency care?

Call 911 or seek emergency care right away if you have:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Fainting
• Severe or fast-worsening shortness of breath
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat with weakness or confusion
• Signs of stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking

These symptoms may be signs of a serious heart problem or stroke.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

AFib can happen when changes in the heart affect its normal rhythm. Sometimes, more than one factor is involved.

Common causes and triggers include:

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can strain the heart and affect its electrical signals.
• Heart conditions: Heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart defects and past heart surgery can raise the risk of AFib.
• Thyroid problems: An overactive thyroid can speed up your heart and trigger an irregular rhythm.
• Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea can stress the heart and make AFib more likely.
• Other health conditions: Diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, lung disease, infections and surgery may raise your risk.
• Alcohol, smoking and stimulant drugs: Heavy alcohol use, binge drinking, smoking and stimulant drugs can trigger AFib in some people.

Who is at risk for AFib?

AFib becomes more common with age, especially after age 65.

Other risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Family history of AFib

Some people develop AFib without a clear cause.

Can you lower your risk of AFib?

Healthy habits can help protect your heart and may lower your risk of AFib.

You can help reduce your risk by:

• Managing high blood pressure
• Treating sleep apnea
• Staying active
• Reaching or keeping a healthy weight
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol
• Managing diabetes and thyroid disease
• Seeing your provider for regular checkups

It is very important to manage related conditions and risk factors as part of AFib care.

AFib care at Banner Health

Banner Health provides care for atrial fibrillation from diagnosis through long-term management. Your care team may include cardiologists and electrophysiologists, who are heart rhythm specialists.

Your care may include:

• Heart rhythm testing
• Stroke risk assessment
• Heart rate or rhythm medication
• Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants
• Cardioversion
• Catheter ablation
• Left atrial appendage occlusion for some people who cannot take long-term blood thinners
• Follow-up care to manage symptoms and risk factors

Learn more about AFib diagnosis.

Learn more about AFib treatment.

Frequently asked questions about AFib

Is AFib serious?

AFib can be serious because it raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart problems. Treatment can help lower these risks.

Can you have AFib without symptoms?

Yes. Some people do not feel symptoms. AFib may be found during a routine exam, heart test or wearable device alert.

Can AFib come and go?

Yes. Some people have AFib episodes that start and stop on their own. This is called paroxysmal AFib.

Can AFib be treated?

Yes. AFib treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation or other procedures.