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What is Atrial Fibrillation

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What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atria Fibrillation (also known as AF) is an irregular rapid heart rhythm which affects the upper chambers of the heart. The upper chambers quiver instead of pumping normally and this affects the blood being pumped around the body efficiently. A normal heart rate beats approximately 60-100 beats per minute.
 
You can test your heart rate by feeling for the pulse in your neck or wrist.
 
Your doctor will use an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to determine whether or not you have AF.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Some people experience these symptoms of atrial fibrillation:
  • Heart sensations, sometimes called palpitations, which may include irregular, thumping, or pounding heartbeat
  • A feeling that your heart is racing
  • Chest discomfort or pain
  • Fainting or light-headedness
  • Fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness

Watch the video to learn more about AF symptoms

Goals in treating atrial fibrillation

  • Relieve AF symptoms
  • Improve quality of life
  • Reduce the risk of stroke
  • Reduce the risk of related illnesses (e.g. heart failure)
 
Learn more about ways to treat AF

Brief Statement

This information is intended only for users in markets where Medtronic products and therapies are approved or available for use as indicated within the respective product manuals. Content on specific Medtronic products and therapies is not intended for users in markets that do not have authorisation for use.

See the device manual(s) for detailed information regarding the instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse events.