Atrial Fibrillation
Irregular rhythm
AF causes an irregular heartbeat
Stroke risk
AF can increase the risk of stroke
Treatment options
Treatment depends on your symptoms and individual needs
Specialist care
Cardiologist or electrophysiologist
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is a common heart rhythm condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly and sometimes faster than normal.
AF occurs when the electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, become irregular. Instead of beating in a regular rhythm, the atria beat in an uncoordinated way, which can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood.
AF can occur occasionally or be present for longer periods. You may hear your doctor describe AF as paroxysmal when episodes come and go, or persistent when the irregular rhythm continues and may require treatment to restore a normal rhythm.
The likelihood of developing AF increases with age. Some people experience symptoms such as a racing or irregular heartbeat, tiredness, shortness of breath or dizziness, while others may not notice any symptoms.
Concerned About Atrial Fibrillation?
Our specialist cardiologists and electrophysiologists assess and manage atrial fibrillation to help restore rhythm, relieve symptoms, and lower your risk of stroke. Medicare rebates are available with a GP referral.
If you’re experiencing palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness or breathlessness, speak to your GP. They can assess your symptoms and recommend further testing or specialist care if needed.
What are the symptoms of AF?
Arrhythmias don’t always cause symptoms, some are discovered incidentally during a routine examination. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe.
Common Symptoms
- palpitations (a fluttering or thumping feeling in the chest or throat)
- shortness of breath
- light-headedness or fainting
- chest pain or heaviness, fatigue
- feelings of irritability
- anxiety or general unwellness
- reduced exercise capacity or endurance
Less common symptoms
- Fatigue or anxiety
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fainting or feeling faint (syncope)
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained sweating
- Weakness
- Sweating
These symptoms are not exhaustive. If you experience severe chest pain, sudden fainting, or breathlessness that comes on without warning,
call 000 (triple zero) immediately. For persistent or recurring symptoms, see your GP promptly. Don’t ignore them.
What causes AF?
While the exact cause of AF isn’t always known, there are a number of risk factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease including:
High Blood Pressure
Long-term high blood pressure can put extra strain on the heart and cause changes that make irregular rhythms more likely.
Age
The risk of AF increases as you get older because changes in the heart’s structure and electrical system can occur over time.
Underlying Heart Problem
Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or heart failure can increase the risk of AF.
Surgery
AF can sometimes occur temporarily after major surgery, particularly heart surgery, because of stress and inflammation affecting the heart.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Heavy or frequent alcohol use can disrupt the heart’s electrical rhythm and trigger episodes of AF.
Obesity
Being overweight can place additional strain on the heart and is associated with changes that can increase AF risk.
Family History
Having a close family member with AF may increase your likelihood of developing it, suggesting that genetics can play a role.
Other Medical conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and some lung diseases may increase the risk.
What are the health risks of AF?
A small number of people may go through life with AF and have little or no health problems from the condition. However, the inefficient pumping action caused by AF may lead to weakness of the heart muscle resulting in heart failure, or it may worsen any existing heart problems.
One of the greatest health risks from AF is an increased risk of stroke.
- People with a current or past diagnosis of AF have around five times the risk of having a stroke as a person without AF
- AF leads to an increased risk of a blood clot forming in the top chambers of the heart (in particular, the left atrial appendage) which can dislodge and travel to the brain, causing stroke
For people with AF, the risk of blood clots and stroke is not necessarily reduced when the heart is in normal rhythm.
Goals of treatment
Treatment for atrial fibrillation is tailored to your individual needs. Your cardiologist will consider the type of AF you have, your symptoms, overall heart health and other factors when recommending the most appropriate approach.
Lifestyle modifications
Rate/rhythm control
Stroke prevention
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed at Advara HeartCare?
If you have symptoms that may be related to atrial fibrillation (AF), your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and may check your heart rate and rhythm. Tests can then help determine whether AF is present and give your care team a clearer picture of your heart health.
Depending on your symptoms, you may be referred to a cardiologist for further assessment and one or more of the following tests.
Holter monitor
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
Stress echo or stress ECG
How is Atrial Fibrillation Treated?
Medical & Interventional Care
Medications to control heart rate or restore normal rhythm
Electrical cardioversion to reset the heart’s rhythm
Minimally invasive catheter ablation to block abnormal signals
Pacemaker implantation for advanced rhythm management
Stroke Prevention & Risk Factor Care
Anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication to prevent blood clots
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) if blood thinners aren’t suitable
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes management
Lifestyle modifications (limiting alcohol, weight management, exercise)
Your treating specialist will discuss all relevant options with you and develop a personalised management plan shared with your GP.
Tests used to diagnose Atrial Fibrillation.
Stress Echo
ECG Test
