What is atrial fibrillation?

Many people sometimes suffer from palpitations. Most palpitations are not dangerous. But palpitations such as atrial fibrillation do deserve attention.

In atrial fibrillation, the atrial chambers of the heart contract too quickly. This can cause blood clots to form. If these blood clots end up in the brain, this can lead to a stroke, resulting in paralysis, for example.

Atrial fibrillation usually occurs in the elderly (e.g. 1 in 10 people over the age of 80), but it can also occur in younger people (e.g. overweight or excessive alcohol use).

Usually you do not feel that you have atrial fibrillation. It is only exceptionally accompanied by palpitations or dizziness. But if you check your pulse yourself and it is irregular or faster than 110 beats per minute at rest, you should visit your doctor. He can make an EKG and thus detect atrial fibrillation. Normally your doctor will check this for everyone over 45 and perform an EKG if necessary.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024