Atrial Fibrillation

A brief digest about this topic

An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. The cause is a disorder in the heart’s electrical system.

Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. But you may feel

  • palpitations -- an abnormal rapid heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • weakness or difficulty exercising
  • chest pain
  • dizziness or fainting
  • fatigue
  • confusion

AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke. In many patients, it can also cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure.

Doctors diagnose AF using family and medical history, a physical exam, and a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG), which looks at the electrical waves your heart makes. Treatments include medicines and procedures to restore normal rhythm.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Provided by: NIH - National Institute of Health

Links shared publicly online about this topic

Atrial Fibrillation

americanheart.org — “About 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, putting them at risk of clots and strokes. About 15 percent of strokes occur in people with AF.View full resource at americanheart.org

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Most Recently Shared on June 18, 2010 at 8:09 pm By:

nursingpins Vernon Dutton, R.N. Nurse

Three to five percent of people over 65 have atrial fibrillation. (AHA) http://tinyurl.com/d29s9

2 years ago...

Atrial Fibrillation

americanheart.org — “An estimated 2.2 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation. That makes it the most commonView full resource at americanheart.org

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Most Recently Shared on October 8, 2009 at 9:44 pm By:

Atrial Fibrillation

afibprofessional.org — “Atrial Fibrillation CommunityView full resource at afibprofessional.org

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Most Recently Shared on March 11, 2010 at 9:43 pm By:

stopafib StopAfib.org Health Executive

Great new atrial fibrillation site from American College of Cardiology & Heart Rhythm Society (via @enformeweb): http://bit.ly/cZVpkI #afib

2 years ago...

Atrial Fibrillation

peacehealth.org — “Discusses atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Covers causes, including high blood pressure and CAD. Discusses what increases your risk. Covers treatment with medicines, cardioversion, and surgery.View full resource at peacehealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on August 16, 2010 at 12:14 am By:

Heart_Blood Heart & Blood OW OW Health

Does caffeine cause atrial fibrillation? Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, & medicines can cause A fib. Other causes: http://bit.ly/aDSUyM

2 years ago...

Atrial Fibrillation

hearthealthyonline.com — “How heart disorders may be cured.View full resource at hearthealthyonline.com

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Most Recently Shared on April 13, 2010 at 3:09 am By:

SusanS_Health Susan Scroggins Active Health Library and Health Advocate

Atrial fibrillation (AF): 2.2 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation - what is it? http://bit.ly/bXLSZc

2 years ago...

Atrial Fibrillation

216.185.112.5 — “About 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, putting them at risk of clots and strokes. About 15 percent of strokes occur in people with AF.View full resource at 216.185.112.5

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Most Recently Shared on June 27, 2010 at 1:29 pm By:

nursingpins Vernon Dutton, R.N. Nurse

3 to 5 % of people over 65 have atrial fib and about 15 percent of strokes occur in people with a fib (AHA) http://tinyurl.com/25shrhc

2 years ago...

For Atrial Fibrillation Patients by Atrial Fibrillation Patients

stopafib.org — “For atrial fibrillation patients by atrial fibrillation patients - information about living with afib and to help find an atrial fibrillation treatment or cure.View full resource at stopafib.org

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Most Recently Shared on August 20, 2009 at 12:10 am By:

stopafib StopAfib.org Health Executive

Thanks for RT. RT @ezCPAP: RT @StopAfib: CPAP often helps #afib & decreases risks. Sleep apnea common cause of #afib: http://stopafib.org

3 years ago...

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

medicalnewstoday.com — “Introduction to Atrial Fibrillation, including causes and treatments.View full resource at medicalnewstoday.com

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Most Recently Shared on December 8, 2010 at 2:10 pm By:

The State of Atrial Fibrillation in America

hcplive.com — “A national survey found that physicians and patients have different perspectives regarding the risks associated with atrial fibrillation.View full resource at hcplive.com

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Most Recently Shared on October 13, 2010 at 3:21 pm By:

HCPLive_Cardio HCPLive_Cardio Cardiology

National survey finds that physicians and patients have different perspectives regarding risks associated with #afib. http://hcp.lv/ayA6ED

2 years ago...

Diabetes and atrial fibrillation risks

theheart.org — “The study also showed that this risk was higher among patients with a longer duration of treated diabetes and poorer glycemic control.View full resource at theheart.org

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Most Recently Shared on April 28, 2010 at 10:27 am By:

nursingpins Vernon Dutton, R.N. Nurse

Diabetics are 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation http://www.theheart.org/article/1071029.do

2 years ago...

Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

webmd.com — “Your guide to signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder.View full resource at webmd.com

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Most Recently Shared on October 6, 2011 at 3:39 pm By:

Diabetes and atrial fibrillation risks

theheart.org — “The study also showed that this risk was higher among patients with a longer duration of treated diabetes and poorer glycemic control.View full resource at theheart.org

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Most Recently Shared on April 27, 2010 at 7:35 pm By:

theheartorg Shelley Wood Cardiology

Diabetes associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation: The study also showed that this risk was higher am... http://bit.ly/bew2v4

2 years ago...

Digoxin for atrial fibrillation

webmd.com — “Drug details for Digoxin for atrial fibrillation.View full resource at webmd.com

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Most Recently Shared on August 15, 2010 at 11:25 pm By:

orgwisdom Org Wisdom OW Health

Digoxin for atrial fibrillation: May improve symptoms by strengthening heart contractions in people with heart failure.http://bit.ly/cScQ3q

2 years ago...

Pradaxa Approved for Atrial Fibrillation

health.yahoo.net — “WEDNESDAY, Oct. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help prevent stroke in people with a type of abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation.View full resource at health.yahoo.net

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Most Recently Shared on October 21, 2010 at 1:40 am By:

The Beat on Atrial Fibrillation

media.surgery.northwestern.edu — “The Beat on Atrial FibrillationView full resource at media.surgery.northwestern.edu

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Most Recently Shared on November 26, 2010 at 6:56 pm By:

NMHnews NorthwesternMemorial Hospital

Did you miss our Annual Atrial Fibrillation Seminar? Watch & listen as 4 medical experts discuss atrial fibrillation. http://tiny.cc/dg2by

1 year ago...

The Top 3 resources shared on this topic. More resources.

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Featuring the top 3 experts for this topic

  • nursingpins

    Vernon Dutton, R.N.

    Critical Care R.N. Student of Nursing History. I Collect Historical Nursing Related Items.

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  • hearthub

    HeartHub

    Learn and Live. Stay informed, be inspired or get involved with the American Heart Association.

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  • stopafib

    StopAfib.org

    Mellanie True Hills - award-winning author, speaker, atrial fibrillation survivor, & CEO of StopAfib.org, a resource for patients by patients

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