How does atrial fibrillation start

Problems with the heart's structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include:. In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers atria and form clots. If a blood clot in the left upper chamber left atrium breaks free from the heart area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. The risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation increases as you grow older.

Other health conditions also may increase your risk of a stroke due to A-fib , including:. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation. Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:. Atrial fibrillation care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Atrial fibrillation Open pop-up dialog box Close. Atrial fibrillation In a typical heart rhythm, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal sinus node impulse. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Atrial fibrillation. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Accessed July 6, Zipes DP, et al. Catheter ablation: Technical aspects. AFib used to be described as chronic or acute, with chronic AFib lasting longer than one week.

However, changes to guidelines have redefined the…. Atrial fibrillation AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia in the United States. Learn more about this condition, including causes and symptoms…. According to a new study, people who work night shifts have a 12 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation AFib , an irregular heart rate, compared…. New research from the U. Those who practice…. Avoiding or limiting certain foods can reduce the risk of an AFib episode.

Take care to sidestep these food items if you live with the condition. New guidelines are recommending newer drugs due to concerns over potential severe bleeding from warfarin use. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat arrhythmia that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related…. Implants and devices are often able to control AFib and reduce blood clots. Learn more about this alternative to taking blood thinners.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is an electrical disorder of the upper chambers of the heart. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Are the Triggers for Atrial Fibrillation? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Fatigue and illness. If a clot breaks off, enters the bloodstream and lodges in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke results.

About 15—20 percent of people who have strokes have this heart arrhythmia. Even though untreated atrial fibrillation doubles the risk of heart-related deaths and is associated with a 5-fold increased risk for stroke, many patients are unaware that AFib is a serious condition.

Watch an animation of atrial fibrillation. If you or someone you love has atrial fibrillation, learn more about what AFib is, why treatment can save lives, and what you can do to reach your goals, lower your risks and live a healthy life. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers.

In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than beats a minute.

This can cause problems including dizziness , shortness of breath and tiredness. You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations , where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes. Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and a person who has it is completely unaware that their heart rate is irregular.

It's important to get medical advice to make sure it's nothing serious. You could be having a heart attack. Call immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital. When the heart beats normally, its muscular walls tighten and squeeze contract to force blood out and around the body.