Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat irregularly or quiver. Without an effective heartbeat blood isn’t pumped completely out of the atria, causing blood to pool and possibly clot. A clot can travel to other parts of the body, including the brain, where blocked arteries result in stroke.

Facts About Atrial Fibrilation in the United States

There are at least 2.2 million Americans with atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation affects about 1 in 25 people aged 60 and older, and 1 in 10 people aged 80 and older 15 to 20% of all strokes, about 75,000 per year, are attributable to atrial fibrillation The presence of atrial fibrillation is independently associated with a 50 to 90% increase in risk of death View Sources

Warning signs

Not everybody with atrial fibrillation experiences symptoms, but here are some to keep in mind:

• Heart palpitations (sudden pounding, fluttering, or a racing feeling in the chest)
• Lack of energy
• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath, even at rest

Risk factors

The following are risk factors for atrial fibrillation:

• High blood pressure
• Overactive thyroid
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Extreme stress or fatigue
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes

The best way to decrease your risk of atrial fibrillation is to identify your risk factors and work toward eliminating or controlling them. Find out if you are at risk for atrial fibrillation and blocked arteries.

Diagnosis and screening of atrial fibrillation

Because some people with atrial fibrillation may not experience any symptoms, you should consider taking the Life Line Screening atrial fibrillation screening.

Interested in learning more about atrial fibrillation and blocked arteries? Read our FAQs.