Atrial fibrillation explained

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Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation causes the heart to work inefficiently so it can reduce the person’s ability to exercise and may lead to heart failure. Atrial fibrillation makes the blood flow inside the heart somewhat irregular, which can cause blood clots to form there. Consequently, atrial fibrillation carries a risk of stroke.

It is estimated more than 500,000 people in Australia suffer from atrial fibrillation. The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation is rising, largely due to the epidemic of ‘diabesity’. It is likely that the size of the problem has been underestimated because one type of atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, is difficult to identify.

If you would like more information about atrial fibrillation, you can find out more from our special report, Change of Heart: time to end cardiovascular complacency.

Am I at risk of atrial fibrillation?

You are at a high-risk of Atrial Fibrillation if you:

  • are aged over 65
  • have high blood pressure
  • have underlying heart disease.

For more risk factors, visit the American Heart Association.

Disclaimer
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this material, the information is provided on the basis that persons undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. In particular, readers should seek independent professional medical advice from their general practitioner or specialist in relation to their own individual circumstance or condition before making any decisions based on this information. The material also includes summarised guidelines or recommendations based on information provided by third parties. The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute disclaims to the extent permitted by law, all liability including negligence for claims of losses, expenses, damages and costs that the reader may incur (or suffer) from acting on or refraining from action as a result of all information in these materials.