Atrial fibrillation (AF)

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?  icon plus

  There are a range of symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation, many of which are consistent with those of other heart conditions. The nature of AF means that more often than not your heart will be beating are far more than 100 beats per minute.

  As a result of this, symptoms may include:

  • palpitations
  • tiredness
  • chest pain
  • breathlessness
  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • blackouts or fainting (syncope)

  In some cases, AF can also occur as a direct consequence of other conditions you may have, such as blocked arteries, lung disease, stress and high blood pressure.

• Diagnosing AF icon plus

  Before conducting any diagnostic test, your consultant will firstly discuss your symptoms with you to gain an understanding of your overall health. If they suspect you have atrial fibrillation, they may carry out an electrocardiogram (ECG). to record electrical activity in your heart.

  You will also wear a Holter monitor for up to several days, which is the main way of detecting arrhythmias as it ensures a more accurate reading of your heart activity over an extended period of time.

  Your consultant may also carry out other tests to rule out underlying causes, such as thyroid problems and structural heart disease

• Treating atrial fibrillation icon plus

  Dependent on the extent and severity of your atrial fibrillation, there are a range of treatment options we can offer you.

  These might include:

  • drugs to control heart rhythm
  • drugs to reduce your risk of stroke
  • drugs to control you heart rate
  • electrical cardioversion
  • catheter ablation
  • having a pacemaker implanted