Atrial Fibrillation
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
Approximately 2.7 million Americans have an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (also referred to as AFib) – a serious heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart’s two upper chambers called the atria to contract very fast and irregularly.
The chaotic rhythm that occurs with atrial fibrillation inhibits efficient blood flow into the ventricles of the heart. As a result, the heart’s upper and lower chambers don’t work together as they should. If left untreated, chronic AFib can lead to serious complications, such as stroke, heart failure and death.
For more about atrial fibrillation, including free educational resources, visit the American Heart Association.
Learn more about the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute’s top-rated arrhythmia management program:
Atrial FAQs
American Heart Association's illustrative fact sheet on Atrial Fibrillation.