What is the origin of atrial fibrillation?

In AF, the normal regular electrical impulses generated by the sinoatrial node are overwhelmed by disorganized electrical waves, usually originating from the roots of the pulmonary veins….Electrophysiology.

What does atrial fibrillation mean in medical terms?

(AY-tree-ul fih-bruh-LAY-shun) An irregular heartbeat that occurs when the electrical signals in the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) fire rapidly at the same time. This causes the heart to beat faster than normal.

Is AFib an acronym?

Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib): A heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart contract (quiver) very rapidly and irregularly (as many as 300-600 times a minute) due to chaotic, uncoordinated electrical activity usually originating in the left atrium; a type of supraventricular arrhythmia.

When was AFib discovered?

As we enter the 21st century, atrial fibrillation (AF), an “old” arrhythmia that was first identified in 1909 (1), has assumed increasing importance as the global demographic tide results in a burgeoning population of elderly individuals.

Why is a wave absent in atrial fibrillation?

Sometimes atrial fibrillation results in a course atrial flutter wave on the ECG, but the baseline can also be flat. A flat baseline is more often seen in long standing atrial fibrillation….

Can AFib be reversed?

When you have atrial fibrillation, or AFib, your heart has an irregular, sometimes quick rhythm. The condition can boost your chances for a stroke, heart failure, or other heart problems. Right now, there’s no cure for it.

Is AFib a cardiomyopathy?

AFib makes the ventricles beat faster to push blood out of the heart. Beating too fast for a long time can make the heart muscle too weak to pump enough blood to your body. This is called cardiomyopathy. Medicines for AFib like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers slow your heart rate.

Is atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation the same thing?

In atrial fibrillation, the atria beat irregularly. In atrial flutter, the atria beat regularly, but faster than usual and more often than the ventricles, so you may have four atrial beats to every one ventricular beat.

What is the life expectancy of someone with AFib?

A longitudinal study found that atrial fibrillation reduces life expectancy by two years on average, a small improvement from the three year reduction expected in the 1970s and 80s. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, that can lead to complications like blood clots, stroke and heart failure.

Can atrial fibrillation be cured permanently?

There May Be No Permanent Cure for Atrial Fibrillation. Researchers say even after irregular heartbeats are treated, they can return and the increased risk for stroke remains.