Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats in an irregular and often rapid rhythm.
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Instead of beating in a coordinated way, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly, which can cause symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness or fatigue.
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A cardiology assessment can determine whether symptoms are caused by atrial fibrillation and whether treatment is required.
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Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
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Symptoms can vary between individuals. Some people have noticeable symptoms, while others may have very few.
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Symptoms may include:
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• palpitations or awareness of an irregular heartbeat
• breathlessness
• fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• occasional chest discomfort
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In some cases atrial fibrillation is discovered incidentally during routine testing.
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Causes of atrial fibrillation
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Atrial fibrillation becomes more common with age but can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.
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Possible contributing factors include:
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• high blood pressure
• coronary artery disease
• heart valve disease
• cardiomyopathy
• thyroid problems
• excessive alcohol consumption
• sleep apnoea
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Sometimes no clear cause is identified.
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Why atrial fibrillation is important
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Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke because blood may pool in the heart and form small clots that can travel to the brain.
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For this reason, treatment may include medications to reduce stroke risk as well as treatments to control the heart rhythm.
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How atrial fibrillation is investigated
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Assessment usually includes:
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• electrocardiogram (ECG)
• ambulatory ECG monitoring
• echocardiography
• blood tests to assess contributing factors
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Additional tests may sometimes be required to assess the heart in more detail.
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Treatment for atrial fibrillation
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Treatment depends on the type of atrial fibrillation, symptoms and overall cardiovascular risk.
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Management may include:
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• medications to control heart rate or rhythm
• anticoagulant medication to reduce stroke risk
• treatment of contributing conditions such as high blood pressure
• in some cases, catheter ablation procedures
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A personalised treatment plan will be recommended based on individual circumstances.
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When to seek medical advice
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You should consider cardiology assessment if you experience:
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• persistent palpitations
• an irregular heartbeat
• unexplained breathlessness
• episodes of dizziness or fatigue
• known atrial fibrillation requiring review
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Consultation
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Private cardiology consultations with Dr Thomas Heseltine are available at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral.
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Appointments include a detailed assessment of symptoms and cardiovascular risk, with advice regarding appropriate investigations and treatment if required.