Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is the most common type of heart arrhythmia that requires treatment. Arrhythmia refers to irregularities in heart rhythm, such as beating too slowly, too quickly, or inconsistently.
In individuals with AFib, the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly, disrupting the normal flow of blood to the lower chambers (ventricles). This condition can occur in short episodes or become permanent.
Key Facts About AFib
By 2030, approximately 12.1 million people in the United States are expected to have AFib.
In 2019, AFib was mentioned on 183,321 death certificates, and it was the underlying cause of death in 26,535 cases.
People of European ancestry are more likely to develop AFib compared to African Americans.
Since AFib cases increase with age and women generally live longer than men, more women are affected by the condition than men.
Symptoms of AFib
Some individuals with AFib may be unaware they have the condition due to the absence of symptoms. Others may experience one or more of the following:
Irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations (fluttering, rapid, or pounding heartbeat)
Lightheadedness
Severe fatigue
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Risk Factors for AFib
The likelihood of developing AFib increases with age. High blood pressure, a common condition among older adults, contributes to around 1 in 5 AFib cases.
Risk factors include:
Older age
High blood pressure
Obesity
European ancestry
Diabetes
Heart failure
Ischemic heart disease
Hyperthyroidism
Chronic kidney disease
Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption
Smoking
Enlargement of the heart's left chambers
AFib and Stroke Risk
AFib significantly raises the risk of stroke. After accounting for other stroke risk factors, AFib is linked to a fivefold increase in the likelihood of ischemic stroke. About 1 in 7 strokes is caused by complications from AFib.
Strokes associated with AFib are often more severe than those caused by other factors. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is obstructed by a clot or fatty deposits (plaque) in the blood vessel walls.
Treating AFib
AFib treatment options include:
Medications to regulate heart rhythm and rate
Blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes
Surgical procedures
Lifestyle changes and medications to manage risk factors
Consequences of AFib
Each year in the United States, AFib is the primary diagnosis for more than 454,000 hospitalizations. The condition contributes to approximately 158,000 deaths annually. Over the past 20 years, the death rate linked to AFib has steadily risen.
