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Atrial Fibrillation
Definition 1
A disorder characterized by an electrocardiographic finding of a supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by the replacement of consistent P waves by rapid oscillations or fibrillatory waves that vary in size, shape and timing and are accompanied by an irregular ventricular response. (NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)
Definition 2
A disorder characterized by a dysrhythmia without discernible P waves and an irregular ventricular response due to multiple reentry circuits. The rhythm disturbance originates above the ventricles. (NCI Thesaurus/CTCAE)
Definition 3
An arrhythmia in which minute areas of the atrial myocardium are in various uncoordinated stages of depolarization and repolarization; instead of intermittently contracting, the atria quiver continuously in a chaotic pattern, causing a totally irregular, often rapid ventricular rate. (Food and Drug Administration)
More information
An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. The cause is a disorder in the heart's electrical system.
Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. But you may feel
• Palpitations -- an abnormal rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or difficulty exercising
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fatigue
• Confusion
AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke. In many patients, it can also cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure.
Doctors diagnose AF using family and medical history, a physical exam, and a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG), which looks at the electrical waves your heart makes. Treatments include medicines and procedures to restore normal rhythm. (NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
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