Why is it Important to Recognise and Treat Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation can cause:

• a 'fluttering' heartbeat
• an irregular pulse
• weakness 
• dizziness.

It also increases your risk of problems caused by blood clots, which can form within the atria when they aren't beating properly. Once a blood clot forms in the atria, all or part of it may then break away and travel through your blood stream until it blocks a small artery, potentially cutting off the blood supply to one of the vital organs in your body. If this happens in one of the blood vessels supplying your brain, it can cause a stroke.

Treatments for atrial fibrillation include:

• medicines or procedures to make your heart beat normally (cardioversion)
• long-term medicines to maintain a normal heartbeat, slow your heart rate and/or thin your blood
• surgical procedures, used in rare cases, to try to make your heart beat normally.

The best course of treatment will depend on the:

• severity of symptoms
• cause (if known)
• duration of the problem
• your risk of stroke and other problems caused by blood clots blocking blood supply to the vital organs in your body
• risks associated with each treatment option.

As with other heart conditions the best way to manage your heart health is to recognise and reduce the risk by:

• taking your medication as prescribed
• be smoke-free
• enjoy healthy eating
• be physically active
• control your blood pressure and cholesterol
• achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
• maintain your psychological and social health
• visit your doctor regularly 

For more information download our atrial fibrillation information sheet.