Atrial fibrillation or flutterEmail this page to a friendShare on facebookShare on twitterBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly versionAtrial fibrillation or flutter is a common type of abnormal heartbeat. The heart rhythm is fast and irregular in this condition.
CausesWhen working well, the four chambers of the heart contract (squeeze) in an organized way.
The electrical signal that tells your heart to contract begins in an area called the sinoatrial node (also called the sinus node or SA node). These signals help your heart pump the right amount of blood for your body’s needs.
In atrial fibrillation, the electrical impulse of the heart is not regular.
•Parts of the heart cannot contract in an organized pattern.
•As a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
In atrial flutter, the ventricles (lower heart chambers) may beat very rapidly, but in a regular pattern.
These problems can affect both men and women. They become more common with increasing age.
Common causes of atrial fibrillation include:
•Alcohol use (especially binge drinking)
•Coronary artery disease
•Heart attack or heart bypass surgery
•Heart failure or an enlarged heart
•Heart valve disease (most often the mitral valve)
•Hypertension
•Medicines
•Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
•Pericarditis
•Sick sinus syndrome