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Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood. In AF, the regular electrical impulses of the sinoatrial node are replaced by disorganized, rapid electrical impulses which result in irregular heart beats.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age — AF affects four percent of individuals in their 80s. An individual may spontaneously alternate between AF and a normal rhythm (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) or may continue with AF as the dominant cardiac rhythm without reversion to the normal rhythm (chronic atrial fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic, but may result in symptoms of palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or even heart failure. These symptoms are especially common when atrial fibrillation results in a heart rate which is either too fast or too slow. In addition, the erratic motion of the atria leads to blood stasis which predisposes to blood clots which may travel from the heart to the brain and other areas. Thus, AF is an important risk factor for stroke, the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation.
The symptoms of atrial fibrillation may be treated with medications which slow the heart rate. Several medications as well as electrical cardioversion may be used to convert AF to a normal heart rhythm. Surgical and catheter-based therapies may also be used to prevent atrial fibrillation in certain individuals. People with AF are often given blood thinners such as warfarin to protect them from strokes.
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Af-Ablation - Information for physicians and patients on the disease and the different treatment options, focusing on radiofrequency ablation.
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American Heart Association - Atrial Fibrillation - Recommendations for aggressive treatment of this heart disorder due to the risk of stroke.
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Atrial Fibrillation and the Maze Procedure - Information on AF from a nurse working in the field. Includes a detailed glossary and full information, including cost of the Maze procedure, open-heart surgery, and reports of its high success rate in curing AF.
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Atrial Fibrillation Foundation - An organization dedicated to research and patient education in this heart disorder. Provides resources for patients on the diagnosis and treatment of AF.
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Atrial Fibrillation Research and Innovation - About research and innovations in AF at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Describes in detail the MAZE operation and radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation.
eMedicine Health - Atrial Fibrillation - Consumer health resource center providing information on causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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eMedicine Health - Automated External Defibrillators (AED) - Consumer health resource center providing information on AEDs in combating heat malfunction.
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Information on Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat, Arrhythmia, and Atrial Fibrillation - St. Jude Medical information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatments such as ablation, cardioversion and medications for AF. Features glossary of terms related to this heart disorder and arrhythmia.
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Lone Atrial Fibrillation Forum - A discussion group for personal experiences regarding this heart disorder.
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Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation - A statement for health care professionals from the subcommittee on electrocardiography and electrophysiology, American Heart Association.
Medtronic - Atrial Fibrillation - Explanation, diagnosis, and treatment options for this heart disorder. Well illustrated and includes sections for professionals and patient stories.
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Saeed Esfandiari - Iranian doctor explains atrial fibrillation causes and treatment.
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SavonHealth - A comprehensive information site on this heart disorder.
The AFIB Report - A gathering place and resource centre dedicated to lone atrial fibrillation. Home of The AFIB Report, a newsletter for people with this heart disorder.
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