Understanding Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting 2 to 4 percent of

adults worldwide. This chaotic electrical storm turns the heart's rhythm into a disorganized quiver.

Predominantly striking individuals over 65, risk factors like hypertension or heart

failure can trigger it earlier. The atria lose synchronized contraction, replaced by rapid

impulses at 300 to 600 beats per minute. Patients often describe a fluttering bird

in their chest, fatigue, or dizziness. Diagnosis requires an ECG showing absent

P waves and irregularly irregular RR intervals. Management focuses on rate,

rhythm control, and anticoagulation.