By: Mark Torres Anatomy and Physiology II TR 3:15- 6:00

Atrial Fibrillation, also known as AF, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Chance of having AF increases with age, and affects up to 5% of the population older than 69 years, and 8% of the population older than 80 years. It is slightly more prevalent in men than in women.

The atria and ventricles do not beat in rhythm, the heartbeat is irregular in timing and strength. Atrial Fibrillation reduces the pumping effectiveness of the heart by % The heart beats are very rapid and irregular. Blood is not pumped efficiently to the rest of the body which may causes the person to feel weak or tired, or to experience uncomfortable heart sensations.

Atrial fibrillation is thought to be caused by atrial fibrosis, and lost of atrial muscle mass. If you have AF, the electrical impulse do not travel in an orderly fashion through the atria. Instead, many impulses begin simultaneously and spread through the atria and compete for a chance to travel through the AV node.

The sinus node, which is the pacemaker of the heart, is overwhelmed by the rapid random electrical discharges. Atria then begins to beat rapid and irregular. Can range from bpm. The fast rate doesn’t allow the heart to pump efficiently which can cause pools of blood to form which can then build up to blood clots, which can cause strokes. 15% of strokes happen to people with AF.

Atrial fibrillation can be caused from:  High blood pressure  Coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart's arteries)  Heart valve disease  Previous heart surgery  Chronic lung disease  Heart failure  Cardiomyopathy (disease of heart muscle that causes heart failure)  Congenital heart disease (heart disease present at birth)  Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs)

You may have AF without having any symptoms at all. If you have symptoms, they may include:  Heart palpitations (a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing feeling in the chest)  Fatigue or lack of energy  Dizziness (feeling faint or light-headed)  Chest discomfort (pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest)

 Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing during normal activities or even at rest) Atrial Fibrillation is diagnosis by tests like:  Electrocardiogram (ECG)  Stress test  Longer-term monitoring devices

Controllable Risk Factors  High cholesterol  High blood pressure  Heart disease  Smoking  Excess weight  Caffeine  Alcohol abuse  Lack of exercise  Some medications  Sleep apnea Non-controllable Risk Factors  Family history  Advancing age  Heart disorders from birth

Many options are available to treat AF, including medication, lifestyle changes, certain medical procedures, and surgery. The goals of AF treatment are to:  Regain normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm)  Control the heart rate  Prevent blood clots  Reduce the risk of stroke

Treating AF may prevent stroke, fatigue, and heart failure. Some medications used to treat AF are blood thinners, like aspirin to prevent blood clots, antiarhythmic meds, and beta blockers. Also a pacemaker or defibrillator may be implanted in the patient to control the heart beat.