About Atrial Fibrillation
Also known as AF or "afib," atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria), producing heart palpitations, elevated heart rate, and potentially other serious health risks including fainting, chest pain, congestive heart failure, and stroke. It is estimated that 4 million adults in the United States have some form of atrial fibrillation, with 160,000 new cases being diagnosed each year.
This section of the site provides details on several of the key topics related to AF.
Topics in This Section
- Heart Anatomy and Rhythm: Find out more about the mechanisms in the heart that create the heartbeat, and how atrial fibrillation affects these mechanisms.
- Causes of Atrial Fibrillation: If you have certain conditions such as heart disease, emphysema, or diabetes, you may be at an elevated risk of developing AF.
- Types of AF: Atrial fibrillation is medically classified by the duration of symptoms. Different types of AF often have different origins within the heart.
- Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation: Here you can learn about common symptoms of AF and what steps your doctor may take in order to arrive at an AF diagnosis.
- Health Risks: Without proper treatment and medical supervision, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions including stroke and heart failure.
More Information
For more details about atrial fibrillation, request a phone consultation with Dr. John Sirak at The Ohio State University Medical Center or call his appointment phone at (614) 366-7414.