Atrial fibrillation is characterized by chaotic electrical signals in the heart that cause the upper chambers (atria) to quiver. It is the most common type of sustained irregular heart rhythm, and while it is not usually life threatening on its own, it can have deadly complications. Atrial fibrillation can disturb smooth blood flow, increasing the risk of clots that can cause organ damage or stroke. The hearts ability to pump blood can also deteriorate, leading to heart failure. The most common causes of atrial fibrillation are heart abnormalities and heart muscle damage, but in at least 10 percent of cases there is no underlying heart disease that explains the condition.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 00:01:01 +0000
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