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Palatine Heart Center
523 Old Northwest Highway,
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone (847) 381-1200
Fax (847) 381-1904

Heart Lung Center
360 Station Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone (815) 477-8900
Fax (815) 477-7160

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem. During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly-out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. The result is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rate. Episodes of atrial fibrillation can come and go or you many have chronic atrial fibrillation.

Possible cause of atrial fibrillation include:

High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart arteries)
Abnormal heart valves
Congenital heart defects
Thyroid abnormalities
Emphysema or other lung diseases
Previous heart surgery
Sleep apnea
Alcohol use

Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms or are unaware of their condition until a doctor discovers it during a physical examination. Those who do have symptoms maybe experience palpitations, weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Although atrial fibrillation usually isn’t life threatening, it can lead to complications. People with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of developing blood clots that may lead to stroke. Therefore, most patients with atrial fibrillation are prescribed blood thinners to decrease the incidence of blood clots forming. Treatment for atrial fibrillation may also include medications that help slow the heart rate and keep it regular. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a procedure called a cardioversion. A cardioversion is a procedure where an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert the abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm.