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ConditionsGeneral information

Atrial fibrillation

A rhythm disorder with chaotic electrical activity in the atria of the heart.

Detailed articles: 3

Reviewed by a doctorSherzod Nasirovich SabirovCardiologist-arrhythmologist

Short answer

In atrial fibrillation the atria of the heart contract chaotically and the heartbeat becomes irregular. This condition may be linked to the risk of blood clots and stroke, so a doctor’s supervision is important.

This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.

Normal sinus rhythm

Atrial fibrillation: an irregular rhythm

Two recordings over the same length of time. Schematic image, not a patient recording.

Reviewed by a doctor

In detail: articles on this topic

Arrhythmias7 min read

Atrial fibrillation: why do doctors talk about stroke, and what does treatment look like?

Atrial fibrillation (AF for short) is an arrhythmia in which the heart rhythm is “completely irregular”. This is why stroke is talked about: according to the 2024 ESC/EACTS guideline, a separate direction of treatment is aimed at preventing stroke and thromboembolism. Whether you need an anticoagulant is decided by the doctor together with you, after assessing your risk. Do not start or stop the medicine on your own.

In the article:

  1. What is atrial fibrillation, and why is the pulse “completely irregular”?
  2. Why do doctors talk about stroke in atrial fibrillation?
  3. How is stroke risk assessed, and who is recommended an anticoagulant?
  4. If the rhythm is restored, do you still need an anticoagulant?
  5. What does treatment look like?
  6. When should you seek help without waiting, and how can you prepare for the appointment?
  7. Frequently asked questions
Read the paper

Devices and procedures8 min read

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): when it is needed, how it is done, risks

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat delivered through a catheter to scar a small area of tissue that is disrupting the heart rhythm. It is used in some tachycardias and in atrial fibrillation; the decision is made after discussing the risks and benefits. It usually takes a few hours with a sedative, and you go home the same day or the next day. The result and the risk depend on the type of rhythm; the doctor gives your personal assessment.

In the article:

  1. What is RFA and for which arrhythmias is it done?
  2. When does ESC offer ablation as a first choice?
  3. How is radiofrequency ablation done and what do you feel?
  4. How does recovery go and what complications are there?
  5. What are the results and risks in supraventricular tachycardia?
  6. What are the results and risks in atrial fibrillation?
  7. Frequently asked questions
Read the paper

Tests6 min read

My smartwatch says my heart rhythm is irregular: can I trust it and what should I do?

If you have severe chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, call 103 right away. In other cases, do not panic: a smartwatch or phone recording is a signal, not a diagnosis. According to the 2022 EHRA guide, an unusual reading must be confirmed with an ECG, and the recording must be reviewed by a doctor. Save the recording, write down the time and show it to a doctor.

In the article:

  1. Is an alert from the watch a diagnosis?
  2. How far can you trust the watch?
  3. What if the watch says everything is fine or shows a perfect ECG?
  4. What should you do when the watch gives an alert?
  5. When is a smartwatch useful and what should you be careful about?
  6. When should you call 103 right away?
  7. Frequently asked questions
Read the paper

Frequently asked questions

Can you always feel fibrillation?

According to AFib Matters, the heartbeat feels stronger, faster or irregular, and sometimes it feels as if beats are being skipped. Episodes may come and go, especially in the attack-like form. Only an ECG recording gives an exact answer.

Answer from the article: Atrial fibrillation: why do doctors talk about stroke, and what does treatment look like?

Is RFA painful?

According to MedlinePlus, a sedative is given and the skin is numbed. Even so, you may feel brief burning when a medicine is injected, and burning when the energy is delivered as well. It may also feel as if your heart is beating faster or harder, or as if you are mildly lightheaded.

Answer from the article: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): when it is needed, how it is done, risks

Is the ECG on a smartwatch accurate?

No accuracy percentage can be given for any model: the sources used do not give such a figure. According to AFib Matters, consumer devices are not always accurate, and according to the 2024 review, the evidence is limited. The watch recording is only initial information to show to a doctor.

Answer from the article: My smartwatch says my heart rhythm is irregular: can I trust it and what should I do?

Can aspirin replace an anticoagulant?

According to the 2024 ESC/EACTS guideline, antiplatelet medicines (such as aspirin) on their own are not indicated for stroke prevention in AF. The doctor decides which medicine you need; do not switch or stop your medicine on your own.

Answer from the article: Atrial fibrillation: why do doctors talk about stroke, and what does treatment look like?

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