Atrial Fibrillation: What You Need to Know

Did you know that US President Joe Biden lives with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation? This condition increases the risk of stroke by five-fold and doubles the risk of heart attack and dementia. Surprisingly, many people around the world are unaware that they have atrial fibrillation, with over 37.5 million individuals affected.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects people of all ages. It causes irregular heartbeats that can be either fast or slow. While it is more prevalent as we age, some individuals develop it in their 30s and 40s. This abnormal heart rhythm originates in the top chambers of the heart, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. This can lead to complications such as blood clots and other severe health issues.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary from person to person. Some people may experience heart palpitations, breathlessness, or discomfort when they go into an episode. These symptoms can disrupt their daily activities. However, others may have no symptoms at all, making it challenging to detect atrial fibrillation.