Patient Resources
 
Understanding
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common disorder affecting the heart's rhythm. In AF the two upper chambers of the heart - the atria - beat at an abnormally fast rate.
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AF affects about 2% of the general population. It is more common in people older than 65 years of age.

Possible symptoms
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People with AF may experience heart palpitations and sometimes feel an irregular 'fluttering' of the heart. Some people notice that they have an irregular pulse.
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AF can cause general feelings of tiredness, weakness, reduced ability to exercise, discomfort or dizziness. Occasionally this may lead to fainting or collapse.
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However, the symptoms of AF are not always obvious. Up to 1 in 5 people with AF are undiagnosed, and therefore not treated.

Diagnosis
AF is often first detected when a person has an irregular pulse. AF is accurately diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test which monitors the rhythm and rate of the heart.
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Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
 
 
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