Cardiac Arrhythmia (Atrial Fibrillation)

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), in which the heart’s upper chambers beat chaotically and out of coordination with the lower chambers. It increases the risk of stroke and can cause symptoms related to an irregular, often fast heartbeat.

• Palpitations — a sensation of a racing, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Some people have no symptoms at all, with the irregular rhythm found incidentally during a routine check

• Risk is increased by hypertension, older age, heart valve disease, hyperthyroidism, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and other underlying heart conditions.
• In many cases, the irregular electrical activity arises from the upper chambers of the heart without an immediately obvious single cause.

• Diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG) showing the characteristic irregular rhythm without clear, organised P waves.
• A pulse check revealing an irregularly irregular pulse can raise initial suspicion, prompting an ECG to confirm the diagnosis.
• Further tests, such as echocardiography and thyroid function testing where available, help identify contributing or underlying causes.

Treatment addresses both symptom control and, importantly, stroke prevention, since atrial fibrillation significantly increases stroke risk due to blood pooling and clot formation in the heart's upper chambers.

A blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicine is usually recommended for people with additional stroke risk factors, to reduce the risk of a stroke-causing clot.

Heart rate control, often with a beta-blocker, is used to manage symptoms related to a fast heart rate; in some cases, medicine or a procedure may be used to try to restore a normal rhythm.

Any identified underlying or contributing cause, such as hyperthyroidism or uncontrolled hypertension, is treated alongside management of the arrhythmia itself.

• Control blood pressure and manage other underlying conditions such as thyroid disease.
• Limit alcohol intake, which can trigger or worsen atrial fibrillation in some people.
• Take prescribed anticoagulant medicine consistently if recommended, given the stroke-prevention benefit.
• Seek prompt medical assessment for new palpitations, particularly if associated with breathlessness, dizziness, or chest discomfort.