Atrial Fibrillation: The most Commonly Occurring Heartbeat Problem
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.
Atrial fibrillation (also known as AFib) is the most common type of irregular heart arrythmia. As the baby boom generation ages, it is estimated that more than 12 million people in the US will have this condition by the year 2030.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Arrhythmias occur when the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. AFib happens when the upper chambers (sections of the heart) and the lower chambers are not working together properly. This can cause less blood to be pumped to your lungs and the rest of your body and may leave some blood behind in your heart.
Who is most at risk for atrial fibrillation?
The risk of atrial fibrillation increases in older adults, especially those of European heritage and in those who smoke or that have moderate to heavy alcohol use. Health related risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart Failure
- Sleep Apnea
- Thyroid disease (Hyperthyroidism)
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
How will I know if I have atrial fibrillation?
Some people who have AFib may not have any noticeable symptoms. Others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding in your chest)
- Lightheadedness
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Related questions
- Is obesity a major risk factor for Covid-19?
- What is the natural Mounjaro recipe for weight loss?
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
Why should I be concerned about atrial fibrillation?
People with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of being hospitalized or dying due to the changes in heart function and can worsen any other heart conditions. Because AFib may cause blood to pool in your heart, it can also increase your risk of stroke.
What treatments are available?
Management of your heart rate can be done with medications, medical procedures, or surgery. To reduce the risk of stroke, anticoagulation medications may also be prescribed. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help improve your heart health.
Summary
If you have symptoms of AFib, it is important to see a doctor right away. Because many people do not have noticeable symptoms, it is important to have regular checkups with your doctor. If you have AFib, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations and take any medications as directed.
See also:
Related medical questions
- Ozempic Mounjaro Wegovy & Zepbound: Weight Loss Compared
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
- How long to see weight loss results with Wegovy?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Does levothyroxine cause weight gain or loss?
- Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
- How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
- Does Wellbutrin XL/SR cause weight gain or loss?
- Why does Lexapro cause weight gain?
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
- Does Lyrica (pregabalin) cause weight gain?
- How much is Zepbound with or without insurance?
- Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
- Does gabapentin cause weight gain?
- Does Zoloft (sertraline) cause weight gain?
- Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
- Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
- How does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?
- How long does it take for Zepbound to work?
- Does Prozac cause weight gain or loss?
- Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?
- Does topiramate cause weight loss?
Related support groups
- Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) (861 questions, 1,512 members)
- Pain (2,287 questions, 11,954 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (511 questions, 1,429 members)
- High Blood Pressure (498 questions, 1,630 members)
- Heart Failure (79 questions, 166 members)
- Surgery (227 questions, 928 members)
- Atrial Fibrillation (112 questions, 362 members)
- Arrhythmia (86 questions, 182 members)
- Fatigue (175 questions, 656 members)
- Heart Disease (63 questions, 223 members)
- Ischemic Stroke (52 questions, 187 members)
AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.