Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly instead of following their normal, coordinated rhythm. As a result, the atria no longer contract effectively with the lower chambers (ventricles), disrupting the normal flow of blood through the heart.
Because the atria do not empty completely, blood can pool inside the heart, increasing the risk of blood clot formation. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
AFib can be temporary or become a long-term condition. It is more common in older adults but can also affect younger people, particularly those with underlying heart disease or certain medical conditions.
The type of AFib helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Symptoms of this condition can vary widely. Some people experience obvious signs, while others discover AFib during a routine health check.
Some common symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) are:
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
AFib is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, leading to an irregular heartbeat. It may develop due to underlying heart conditions, other medical problems or certain lifestyle factors, such as:
The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age and is higher in people with diabetes, obesity, sleep apnoea, chronic kidney disease or a family history of AFib. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further increase the risk.
The cardiologist first reviews your symptoms, medical history and performs a physical examination. The diagnosis may include:
These tests help determine the type of AFib, identify the underlying cause and guide treatment decisions.
Treatment varies depending on symptoms, overall health, stroke risk and how long AFib has been present.
Many patients respond well to medicines that help:
If medicines alone are not sufficient, electrical cardioversion may be recommended. During this short procedure, a controlled electrical shock is delivered under sedation to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
Catheter ablation is advised for patients whose symptoms continue despite medication or who have recurrent AFib. Thin, flexible tubes are inserted through blood vessels and guided to the heart. Using heat or cold energy, the specialist creates small scars that block the abnormal electrical signals responsible for atrial fibrillation.
In selected patients undergoing heart surgery for another condition, a surgical ablation (Maze procedure) may be performed to correct abnormal heart rhythms.
Medical treatment works best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.
Patients are encouraged to:
Recovery depends on the treatment received.
Most patients return home the same day after electrical cardioversion. On the other hand, recovery after catheter ablation usually takes a few days.
During followup care, the cardiologist monitors the patient's heart rhythm, medication response, blood thinner requirements, risk of recurrence and overall heart function.
Patients should continue prescribed medicines even if symptoms improve unless advised otherwise.
The long-term care involves:
Atrial fibrillation is best managed through a coordinated, multi-specialist approach rather than a single line of treatment. At the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, patients benefit from:
If you have symptoms of an irregular heartbeat or have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, consulting an experienced cardiologist can help you understand your treatment options.
Book an appointment at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi to get personalised evaluation and comprehensive care.
Treatment may include medications to control the heart rate, medicines that help restore or maintain a normal heart rhythm and anticoagulants (blood thinners) to reduce the risk of stroke. The choice depends on your symptoms, age, overall health and stroke risk.
In atrial fibrillation, blood can collect inside the heart and form clots. Anticoagulants lower the risk of these clots travelling to the brain and causing a stroke. Your doctor will assess whether their benefits outweigh the risk of bleeding before prescribing them.
An ECG is the primary test used to diagnose atrial fibrillation. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also recommend Holter monitoring, an echocardiogram, blood tests, stress testing or cardiac imaging.
