Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (commonly referred to as AF) is a heart condition in which the atria fires off multiple ectopic pacemakers causing a fibrillation of the atrial contractions and increasing the rate of ventricle contraction. Atrial fibrillation occurs most commonly in people who have a variety of cardiac diseases, however, it has been noted in some people who have an otherwise normal heart.

Atrial Fibrillation ECG

Heart Rate: greater than 100 per minute.

Rhythm: irregular

Pacemaker Site: multiple ectopic atrial pacemaker sites.

P-waves: absent.

QRS complex. Normal.

Atrial Fibrillation Signs and Symptoms

People who have atrial flutter are likely to have the following signs and symptoms:

1. Signs associated with poor perfusion, such as pale, cold, clammy skin. Some diaphoresis may be present.

2. Symptoms such as the sensation of a racing heart (palpitations), dizziness, chest pain, chest tightness, sense of impending doom, syncope.

3. In many cases the person may have no symptoms at all.