Atrial fibrillation is when the heart beats irregularly -- it is not a heart attack. This segment from the eMedTV library explains this medical condition in detail, with information on how it is diagnosed and treated, possible risk factors, and more.
Common causes of atrial fibrillation include heart problems, certain surgical procedures, and smoking. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at causes of atrial fibrillation, such as excessive alcohol use and uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Types of atrial fibrillation include primary, chronic, persistent, permanent, and paroxysmal. This eMedTV article discusses these types of atrial fibrillation and defines them clearly and concisely.
As this eMedTV page explains, diagnosing atrial fibrillation usually starts with reviewing the patient's medical history and ends with tests such as an EKG. This article walks you through the steps involved in making the diagnosis.
In some cases, atrial fibrillation does not require treatment beyond monitoring the condition. However, as this eMedTV segment explains, in other cases, atrial fibrillation treatment, such as medications or certain surgical procedures, is recommended.
Common signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations and tightness in the chest. This eMedTV article discusses these and other atrial fibrillation symptoms, such as shortness of breath and a fast, irregular pulse.
Serious atrial fibrillation complications include blood clots and congestive heart failure. This eMedTV article provides detailed descriptions of these and other atrial complications, such as strokes and pulmonary embolisms.
This eMedTV Web page examines things that can affect an atrial fibrillation prognosis (a prediction as to the outcome of the condition). An atrial fibrillation prognosis will depend on factors such as the patient's symptoms and response to treatment.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that occurs only occasionally. As this eMedTV segment explains, an episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may last a few minutes, hours, or days.
The human heart is a hollow, muscular, fist-sized organ that pumps blood through a network of blood vessels. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at the different parts of the heart and explains how they function within the circulatory system.
