Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is an abnormality in the heart rhythm, which involves irregular and often rapid beating of the heart. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Atrial fibrillation treatment may include medication or procedures like cardioversion or ablation to normalize the heart rate. Read more: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib, AF) Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack
Heart disease prevention includes controlling risk factors like diet, exercise, and stress. Heart disease symptoms in women may...
-
Stroke Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery
What is a stroke? Learn about stroke symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, vision problems, or problems with...
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? Know the warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. Read about high blood...
-
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms and Treatment
What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid...
-
COPD Lung Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
COPD is a pulmonary disorder caused by obstructions in the airways of the lungs leading to breathing problems. Learn about COPD...
-
Vegetarian Diet: Benefits, Meat Substitutions, and Meal Plans
Vegetarian diet plans have benefits like weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Vegetarian diet...
-
Atrial Fibrillation: Heart Symptoms, Diagnosis, & AFib Treatment
AFib symptoms like heart racing, fluttering, and irregular heart beat may be caused by heart disease, obesity, alcohol use,...
-
Heart Disease: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes
What is heart disease (coronary artery disease)? Learn about the causes of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease include chest...
-
Am I Having a Heart Attack? Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart attacks symptoms vary greatly for men and women, from anxiety and fatigue to nausea and sweating. Learn the warning signs...
-
Addicted to Pills: The Health Risks of Drug Abuse
What is drug abuse? Learn about prescription drug abuse and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including depressants, pain relievers,...
-
Heart Healthy Diet: 25 Foods You Should Eat
What foods are heart healthy? Learn what foods help protect your cardiovascular system from heart attack, coronary heart disease,...
-
Healthy Aging: How to Live a Longer Life
What is the best diet for longevity? What's the secret to living longer? Do vegetarians live longer? How can you live a longer...
-
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Quiz
COPD is a combination of three conditions? Take this quiz to learn the three conditions that make up the pulmonary disease called...
-
Stroke Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Take the Stroke Quiz to learn about stroke risks, causes, treatment, and most importantly, prevention.
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Quiz: Symptoms, Signs & Causes
Take this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and...
-
Salt Quiz: Test Your Diet IQ
Do you love salt? Take the online Salt Quiz to get the facts about dietary salts and sodium in fruits, vegetables, processed...
-
Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of the common heart abnormality known as atrial fibrillation (A-fib).
-
Heart Disease Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Take our Heart Disease Quiz to get answers and facts about high cholesterol, atherosclerosis prevention, and the causes,...
-
Diet for Stress Management: Carbs, Nuts, and Other Stress-Relief Foods
While there are many ways to cope with stress, one strategy is to eat stress-fighting foods. Find out which foods to eat as part...
-
Alcohol Abuse: 12 Health Risks of Chronic Heavy Drinking
Read about the health risks of chronic heavy or binge drinking. Anemia, cancer, gout, cardiovascular disease and many more...
-
Picture of Heart Detail
The heart is composed of specialized cardiac muscle, and it is four-chambered, with a right atrium and ventricle, and an...
-
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Tips for Living with Atrial Fibrillation
AFib symptoms like heart racing, fluttering, and irregular heart beat may be caused by heart disease, obesity, alcohol use,...
-
Picture of Heart
The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. See a picture of the Heart and learn more...
-
12 Reasons to Love the Mediterranean Diet in Pictures
The Mediterranean diet is a delicious way to eat healthy. We show you how to get the most from this diet with foods like olive...
-
Prescription Drug Abuse: Know The Warning Signs
Learn about prescription drug abuse facts and statistics about the dangers and misconceptions of abusing common prescription...
-
Food Swaps for Meals and Snacks for Heart Health in Pictures
Explore 10 food swaps for heart-wise dining. Learn what food to buy and how to cook in order to make a big difference for your...
-
The Benefits of Omega 3 Foods on Heart Health
What are the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids? Learn how Omega 3 rich foods like fish oil, salmon, walnuts, & more can boost brain...
QUESTION
Atrial fibrillation is a(n) ... See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
-
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Symptoms, Treatment, and Life Expectancy
Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to a condition in which the heart loses the ability to function properly. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathies are just a few potential causes of congestive heart failure. Signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure may include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, angina, and edema. Physical examination, patient history, blood tests, and imaging tests are used to diagnose congestive heart failure. Treatment of heart failure consists of lifestyle modification and taking medications to decrease fluid in the body and ease the strain on the heart. The prognosis of a patient with congestive heart failure depends on the stage of the heart failure and the overall condition of the individual.
-
Heart Attack Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
Recognizing heart attack symptoms and signs can help save your life or that of someone you love. Some heart attack symptoms, including left arm pain and chest pain, are well known but other, more nonspecific symptoms may be associated with a heart attack. Nausea, vomiting, malaise, indigestion, sweating, shortness of breath, and fatigue may signal a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms and signs in women may differ from those in men.
-
How the Heart Works: Sides, Chambers, and Function
The heart is a very important organ in the body. It is responsible for continuously pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body to sustain life. It is a fist-sized muscle that beats (expands and contracts) 100,000 times per day, pumping a total of five or six quarts of blood each minute, or about 2,000 gallons per day.
-
Fainting (Syncope) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Fainting, also referred to as blacking out, syncope, or temporary loss of consciousness has many causes. Often a person will have signs or symptoms prior to the fainting episode. Diagnosis and treatment depends upon the cause of the fainting or syncope episode.
-
Stroke vs. Mini-Stroke (TIA) Differences
A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when a blood clot or artery ruptures within the brain. The rupture or clot causes brain cell damage or death. A mini-stroke (TIA, transient ischemic attack) is caused by brain cells that dysfunctional over a short period. Stroke and mini-stroke warning signs of stroke and mini stroke are the same, and include, speech problems, weakness, numbness, and facial droop. Side effects of stroke may be permanent and you may never regain full function of the parts of the body affected. Mini-stroke side effects usually resolve within minutes to a couple of days. A transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) is a precursor for stroke because 40% of individuals who have a mini-stroke will have a stroke within a year. Treatment of stroke depends upon the type and parts of the body affected.
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Signs, Causes, Diet, and Treatment
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms. Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure. The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater. If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
-
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema (swelling or fluid in the lungs) can either be caused by cardiogenic causes (congestive heart failure, heart attacks, abnormal heart valves) or noncardiogenic causes such as: ARDS, kidney failure, high altitude, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, aspirin overdose, pulmonary embolism, and infections. The treatment of pulmonary edema depends on the cause of the condition.
-
Blood Clots (in the Leg)
Blood clots can occur in the venous and arterial vascular system. Blood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins, bladder, urinary tract and uterus. Risk factors for causes of blood clots include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on the location of the clot. Some blood clots are a medical emergency. Blood clots are treated depending upon the cause of the clot. Blood clots can be prevented by lowering the risk factors for developing blood clots.
-
Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke (FAST)
Stroke is a serious medical condition. If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke call 911 immediately. There are two main types of strokes, hemorrhagic and ischemic (the most common type). A hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to a blood vessel rupture in the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot becomes lodged in a blood vessel in the brain, which causes a loss of blood supply to the brain, possibly causing brain tissue death. FAST is an acronym that helps people identify stroke signs and symptoms so they can act fast and call 911. Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty are indicators that a person may be having a stroke and it is Time to seek emergency medical treatment. Additional signs and symptoms of stroke may include weakness, difficulty walking, blurred vision, dizziness, headache, confusion, difficulty speaking, and loss of sensation. Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. Early identification and treatment of stroke helps reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.
-
Dizziness
Dizziness is a symptom that often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and other medical conditions. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
-
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy, pneumothorax, shingles, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, angina, heart attack, costochondritis, pericarditis, aorta or aortic dissection, and reflux esophagitis. Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain depends upon the cause and clinical presentation of the patient's chest pain.
-
Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. With an arrhythmia, the heartbeats may be irregular or too slow (bradycardia), to rapid (tachycardia), or too early. When a single heartbeat occurs earlier than normal, it is called a premature contraction.
-
Heart Disease
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Heart disease can lead to heart attack. Risk factors for heart disease include: Smoking High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Family history Obesity Angina, shortness of breath, and sweating are just a few symptoms that may indicate a heart attack. Treatment of heart disease involves control of heart disease risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and/or stenting or bypass surgery. Heart disease can be prevented by controlling heart disease risk factors.
-
Angina Symptoms
Angina is chest pain due to inadequate blood supply to the heart. Angina symptoms may include chest tightness, burning, squeezing, and aching. Coronary artery disease is the main cause of angina but there are other causes. Angina is diagnosed by taking the patient's medical history and performing tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood test, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac CT scan, and heart catheterization. Treatment of angina usually includes lifestyle modification, medication, and sometimes, surgery. The risk of angina can be reduced by following a heart healthy lifestyle.
-
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and/or air pollutants. Conditions that accompany COPD include chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. Treatment of COPD includes GOLD guidelines, smoking cessation, medications, and surgery. The life expectancy of a person with COPD depends on the stage of the disease.
-
32 Causes of Chest Pain: Signs and Symptoms
Chest pain may be caused by many conditions. Learn when chest discomfort, pressure, and tightness is a medical emergency. Find out the most likely causes of left-sided chest pain and chest pain when breathing. Read about potential underlying causes of chest pain including muscle pain, coronary artery disease, coronary artery dissection, esophageal conditions, gallbladder problems, GERD, heart attack, lung problems, and more. Discover how chest pain in women differs from that in men.
-
Pericarditis (Symptoms, ECG, Types, Causes, Treatment)
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart. The causes of pericarditis include injury from heart attack, heart surgery, trauma, viral or fungal infection, HIV, tumors, mixed connective tissue disease, metabolic disease, medication reactions, or unknown reasons. Treatment for pericarditis is generally medication, however, sometimes surgery is necessary.
-
Mitral Valve Prolapse (Syndrome, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Surgery)
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP), also called "click murmur syndrome" and "Barlow's syndrome," is the most common type of heart valve abnormality. Usually, people with mitral valve prolapse have no signs and symptoms; however, if the prolapsed valve is severe, symptoms may appear. When symptoms of severe mitral valve prolapse do appear, they may include, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, anxiety, migraine headaches, and pulmonary edema. Echocardiography is the most useful test for mitral valve prolapse. Most people with mitral valve need no treatment. However, if the valve prolapse is severe, treatment medications or surgery may be necessary to repair the heart valve.
-
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea (OSA), and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing during sleep. OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination and polysomnography. There are many complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments are surgical and non-surgical.
-
Palpitations (Causes and Symptoms)
Palpitations are uncomfortable sensations of the heart beating hard, rapidly, or irregularly. Some types of palpitations are benign, while others are more serious. Palpitations are diagnosed by taking the patient history and by performing an EKG or heart monitoring along with blood tests. An electrophysiology study may also be performed. Treatment of palpitations may include lifestyle changes, medication, ablation, or implantation of a pacemaker. The prognosis if palpitations depends on the underlying cause.
-
Atrial Flutter (Symptoms, Causes, ECG, and Treatments)
Atrial flutter is a problem with the atria of the heart. In atrial flutter the atria of the heart rapidly and repeatedly beat due to an anomaly in the electrical system of the heart. It is a type of arrhythmia and can be dangerous because complications can develop easily. Signs and symptoms of atrial flutter include near fainting, palpitations, mild shortness of breath, and fatigue. While the exact cause of atrial flutter is not clearly understood, it's most likely related to your health, what medical conditions you certainly have, poor diet, lack of exercise, and drinking too much alcohol. Atrial flutter is diagnosed by physical examination, medical history, and a sawtooth ECG wave pattern.
-
Atrial Flutter vs. Atrial Fibrillation (What Are the Differences?)
Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are two types of a heart problem called atrial tachycardia. Both of these conditions involve the heart's electrical activity, but they are not the same disease. Both diseases are serious and need medical treatment. Common symptoms of these diseases are similar and include: Fatigue Blurry vision Lightheadedness Palpitations Feeling like you may faint Serious symptoms of both conditions are similar and include: Fainting Sweating Severe shortness of breath Chest pain Atrial flutter and AFib are heart conditions that require medical diagnosis (ECG) and treatment by a doctor or other medical health-care professional.
-
Heart Attack
A heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical instability of the heart.
-
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke)
When a portion of the brain loses blood supply, through a blood clot or embolus, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, mini-stroke) may occur. If the symptoms do not resolve, a stroke most likely has occurred. Symptoms of TIA include: confusion, weakness, lethargy, and loss of function to one side of the body. Risk factors for TIA include vascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Treatment depends upon the severity of the TIA, and whether it resolves.
-
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. It can cause myriad health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, birth defects, heart disease, stroke, psychological problems, and dementia. Counseling and a few medications can be effective for alcoholism treatment.
-
Heart Attack vs. Heartburn (Differences between Symptoms and Signs)
Heartburn is a symptom of another disease or medical problem and can be described as a feeling of burning in the chest accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or a sour taste or food stuck in the back of the throat. Heart attack occurs when an artery in the heart is completely blocked by a blood clot, which causes that portion of heart muscle to die. Heart attack also has symptoms of chest pain, nausea, and vomiting, however, other warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack are unusual weakness or fatigue, and persistent and/or increased severity of symptoms over a few minutes. Heart attack is a life threatening emergency. If you think you or someone you are with is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately for urgent medical treatment. It may save your life.
-
Emphysema
Emphysema is a COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that often occurs with other obstructive pulmonary problems and chronic bronchitis. Causes of emphysema include chronic cigarette smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and in the underdeveloped parts of the world. Symptoms of emphysema include chronic cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, and wheezing. Treatments include medication and lifestyle changes.
-
Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus brachycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependent upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.
-
Stress and Heart Disease
The connection between stress and heart disease is not clear. Stress itself may be a risk factor, or high levels of stress may make risk factors for heart disease worse. The warning signs of stress can be physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral. Reducing stressors in an individuals life not only can lead to a more productive life, but may also decrease the risk for heart disease and causes of heart disease.
-
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a disease that sometimes occurs after a group A streptococcal infection of the throat. Symptoms and signs include carditis, polyarthritis, Aschoff bodies, rash, Sydenham's chorea, and fever. Treatment for rheumatic fever involves eliminating the bacteria with penicillin, erythromycin, or azithromycin. Further treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms brought on by the body's immunologic response to the bacteria.
-
Migraine and Stroke (Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment)
Migraine headache is a type of headache in which the exact cause is not known; however, they may be inherited, and certain foods and environmental factors can trigger and may contribute them. A stroke (brain attack) happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks, bursts, or becomes blocked, which can be caused by many other health problems. Both migraines and strokes can can cause severe head pain (migraine pain usually is only on one side of the head). Migraine aura symptoms may mimic or feel like a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack, TIA) because they have similar symptoms and signs like severe headache, numbness in the legs, feet, arms, hands, or face, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Other migraine aura symptoms include vision problems like flashing lights or blind spots in one eye. The main difference between migraine headache and stroke symptoms and signs is that a migraine headaches usually come on gradually while a stroke symptoms come on suddenly and unexpectedly. A migraine may cause photophobia (sensitivity to light and sound). Migraine triggers include hormonal changes, alcohol, insomnia, caffeine, stress, anxiety, bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, aspartame, MSG, and changes in the weather. Symptoms of a stroke that do not occur with migraines include confusion, speech, vision, and balance problems. You can have a migraine headache and a stroke at the same time, but migraines do not cause strokes. However, in certain individuals with migraines with auras there may be related to a higher risk of stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency. If you have stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 and get medical attention immediately.
-
Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms (AFib Warning Signs)
Atrial fibrillation or AFib is a type of hear rhythm abnormality. Early warning signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Treatment for atrial fibrillation includes medical procedures, surgery, and medication.
-
Heart Attack vs. Stroke Symptoms, Differences, and Similarities
Heart attack usually is caused by a clot that stops blood flow supplying oxygen to an area of heart muscle, which results in heart muscle death. Stroke or "brain attack" is caused by a loss of blood supply to the brain (usually a blood clot) or by hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding within the brain), which results in brain tissue death. Both heart attack and stroke usually come on suddenly, produce similar symptoms, can be disabling, and can be fatal. The classic symptoms and warning signs of heart attack are different. Classic heart attack warning signs are chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain that radiates to the shoulders, back, arms, belly, jaw, or teeth, sweating, fainting, and nausea and vomiting. Moreover, woman having a heart attack may have additional symptoms like abdominal pain or discomfort, dizziness, clammy skin, and moderate to severe fatigue. The classic symptoms and warning signs that a person is having a stroke are confusion or loss of consciousness, sudden severe headache, speech problems, problems seeing out of one or both eyes, and numbness or weakness of only one side of the body. Moreover, a woman having a stroke may have additional warning symptom and signs like shortness of breath, disorientation, agitation, behavioral changes, weakness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and hiccups. Recognition of stroke symptoms is vital for emergency treatment. The acronym "FAST" stands for recognition of Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and a Time for action. If you experience the symptoms heart attack or stroke (FAST) or see them develop in another person, then contact 911 immediately.
-
Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease in women has somewhat different symptoms, risk factors, and treatment compared to heart disease in men. Many women and health professionals are not aware of the risk factors for heart disease in women and may delay diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, tobacco use, overweight/obesity, stress, alcohol consumption, and depression influence heart disease risk in women. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes also increase women's risk of heart disease. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), stress-ECG, endothelial testing, ankle-brachial index (ABI), echocardiogram, nuclear imaging, electron beam CT, and lab tests to assess blood lipids and biomarkers of inflammation are used to diagnose heart disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women saves lives. Heart disease can be prevented and reversed with lifestyle changes.
-
Heart Attacks in Women
Heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attacks. Women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and high triglycerides are contributors to heart disease. Some of the common symptoms of a heart attack in women include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, feeling faint or woozy, and more. Heart disease can be prevented by lifestyle changes and controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and diseases such as diabetes.
-
What are the Most Common Causes of Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by an irregular and fast heartbeat. The upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically, and can cause pooling and clotting of blood in the atria, instead of it emptying into the lower chamber (ventricles). AF can lead to stroke, heart failure, blood clots, and heart-related complications. Atrial fibrillation is classified into three types: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, persistent atrial fibrillation, and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.
-
Stroke Prevention
Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States. Some of the warning signs of stroke include sudden confusion, trouble seeing with one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance, and more. Stroke prevention and reatable risk factors for stroke include lowering high blood pressure, quit smoking, heart disease, diabetes control and prevention.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- High Blood Pressure FAQs
- Heart Disease FAQs
- Stroke FAQs
- Salt FAQs
- Atrial Fibrillation A-Fib FAQs
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) FAQs
- Heart Atrial Fibrillation - Bill Bradley
- Questions To Ask Your Doctor - General
- What Are The Side Effects Of Quinine For Leg Cramps?
- Grapefruit Juice and Drug Interactions
Medications & Supplements
- Anticoagulants (Anticoagulant Drug Class)
- Beta Blockers (Drug Class, List of Brand and Generic Names)
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxin Pediatric)
- atenolol, Tenormin
- Beta Blocker Side Effects (Adverse Effects)
- rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
- propranolol, Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran XL
- vitamin K-1, phytonadione (Mephyton)
- Drug Interactions
- Eliquis (apixaban)
- diltiazem (Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Tiazac, Cartia XT, Diltzac, Dilt-CD, and several oth)
- propafenone (Rythmol)
- amiodarone, Cordarone, Nextrone, Pacerone
- Coumadin vs. Plavix (Differences and Similarities)
- warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Digoxin vs. metoprolol
- verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Verelan PM [Discontinued: Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Covera-HS])
- quinidine (Discontinued Brands: Cardioquine, Cin-Quin, Duraquin, Quinidex, Quinora, Quinact)
- Side Effects of Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
- dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- procainamide, Pronestyl; Procan-SR; Procanbid (These brands no longer are available in the U.S.)
- idarucizumab (Praxbind)
- Side Effects of Quinidine Injection
- Side Effects of Rythmol (propafenone)
- Side Effects of Pronestyl (procainamide)
- Inderal
- Coumadin
- Amiodarone HCl Injection
- Savaysa
- Xarelto
- Verelan
- Verelan PM
- Tikosyn
- Atenolol
- Tenormin IV Injection
- Calan
- Toprol XL
- Definity
- Multaq
- Cordarone IV
- Cordarone
- Lopressor
- Lanoxin
- Lanoxin Tablets
- Covera-HS
- Tiazac
- Rythmol SR
- Quinidine Gluconate
- Quinidine Injection
- Rythmol
- Inderal LA
- Pronestyl
- Procan Sr
- Quinidex
Prevention & Wellness
- Intensive Blood Pressure Control Reduces A-Fib Risk: Study
- Necklace Spots A-Fib in Just Over 30 Seconds
- AHA News: More Intense Blood Pressure Control May Lower Irregular Heartbeat Risk
- Certain Cancers Linked to Higher A-Fib Risk, Study Finds
- Could Your E-Cig Disrupt Your Pacemaker?
- Living Healthier Can Help Shield You From A-fib: AHA
- What's the Best Blood Thinner If You Have A-Fib?
- Millions of Americans With Heart Disease Use Pot, Bringing Potential Harm
- 'Burnout' Could Raise Your Odds for A-fib
- One Way to Help Ease A-Fib: Give Up Drinking
- AHA News: Sisters Bound By Deadly Family Legacy – and By Lifesaving Transplants
- Obesity Might Weaken Some Drugs' Effectiveness Against AFib
- AHA News: Erectile Dysfunction May Up the Odds for Irregular Heartbeat
- Could Short People Have an Advantage When It Comes to A-Fib?
- Artificial Intelligence Uses ECGs to Predict A-Fib Risk
- What Kind of Drinking Can Trigger A-Fib?
- Does Parents' Smoking Raise Future Heart Risks for Kids?
- AHA News: Do NFL Players' Hearts Take a Hit From Football?
- AHA News: Study of Skiers Holds Surprises About A-Fib, Stroke and Intense Exercise
- AHA News: New Heart Saved Her - and It Came With the Name of Teen Who Gave It
- 'No Quick Fix' for A-Fib, But Cardiologist Says You Can Help Prevent It
- Former NFL Players Have Higher Odds for Dangerous A-Fib
- A-Fib Can Raise Dementia Risk, Even in Absence of Stroke
- How Your Marital Status Affects Your Odds of Dying From Heart Disease
- Another Use for Beta Blockers? Curbing A-fib
- 'Zap' Ear Clip May Ease A-Fib
- Weight-Loss Surgery Boosts Success of Procedure to Fix A-Fib
- Your Apple Watch Might Help Spot a Dangerous Irregular Heartbeat
- Should You Get Pills or Surgery for A-Fib?
- AHA News: Opioid Crisis Brings Concerns About Heart Dangers
- Low-Carb Diets Linked to Higher Odds for A-Fib
- AHA News: Even 'Mild' Congenital Heart Disease Poses Risk Later in Life
- Everyday 'Triggers' May Bring on A-Fib Episodes, Study Finds
- Cardiologist Groups Say Newer Blood Thinners Best Against A-Fib
- Breast Cancer May Bring Higher Odds for A-fib, Too
- Could Your Apple Watch Spot Dangerous A-Fib?
- Too Much Salt Might Help Spur A-Fib
- Botox May Help Prevent Post-Op A-Fib
- Health Tip: Risk Factors For AFib
- E-Alerts Dramatically Cut Heart Attack Rate for People Hospitalized With A-Fib
- Daylight Saving Time Tied to Rise in A-Fib Hospitalizations
- Opioid Use May Sometimes Trigger A-Fib
- A-Fib Tied to Higher Odds for Dementia
- Don't Overlook Heart Care After Cancer Diagnosis
- Study Finds Some Patients With A-Fib Have Hidden Brain Damage
- Smoking May Boost Irregular Heart Beat Risk
- Wearable, At-Home Patch Could Spot Your A-Fib Early
- Weight Loss May Reverse Course of Atrial Fibrillation
- Stressed Out at Work? Your A-Fib Risk May Rise
- Obesity Might Raise Your Risk for A-fib
- PTSD May Raise Odds for Irregular Heartbeat
- Eating Nuts Linked to Lower Odds of Having AFib
- Electric Cars Don't Jolt Implanted Heart Devices: Study
- Coffee Safe for Many With Abnormal Heart Rhythms: Review
- Smartwatch App Might Help Detect A-Fib
- Blacks May Face Higher Stroke Risk From AFib
- Could Hackers Target Heart Devices?
- Procedure Beats Drugs for A-Fib With Heart Failure
- With A-Fib, Urban Hospitals May Be a Better Bet
- Blood Thinners May Also Protect Brains of A-Fib Patients
- Avoiding Alcohol Helps the Heart Beat Better
- Newer Blood Thinners May Not Bring Higher Bleeding Risk
- A-Fib Hits Men Earlier Than Women
- Undiagnosed Heart Condition 'AFib' May Be Common, Study Suggests
- Kidney Disease May Boost Risk of Abnormal Heartbeat
- Working Too Much Might Tip Heart Into Irregular Rhythm
- Early Care by Cardiologist May Lower Stroke Risk for A-Fib Patients
- Are Many A-Fib Patients Getting the Wrong Dose?
- Sleep Apnea May Boost Odds of Irregular Heartbeat
- Could Chocolate Guard Against an Irregular Heartbeat?
- Heart Disease the No. 1 Killer Worldwide
- Heart Health Might Be a Matter of Geography
- Better Treatment Might Prevent Hundreds of Thousands of Strokes
- Blood Thinners May Prevent Dementia in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
- Taller, Bigger Women May Face Irregular Heartbeat Risk
- Heart Drug Digoxin May Raise Death Risk for Some Patients: Study
- Are Blood Thinners Overused in Patients With Irregular Heartbeat?
- Pradaxa Beats Warfarin After Heart Rhythm Procedure: Study
- Many With Irregular Heartbeat Not on Meds They Need: Study
- Zika Virus May Also Harm the Heart
- MRIs Can Be Safe for People With Heart Devices …
- Heart Disease Could Cost U.S. $1 Trillion Per Year By 2035: Report
- Hospitalizations for Common Heart Rhythm Problem on the Rise
- Can Pregnancy Harm Your Heart?
- Jury Still Out on Whether to Screen All Adults for Sleep Apnea
- 'Ablation' Procedure Helps 3 out of 4 Patients With Irregular Heartbeat
- One-Third With Common Irregular Heartbeat Don't Take Blood Thinners
- Study Ties Alcohol Abuse to Increased Heart Risks
- Regular Drinkers, Irregular Heartbeat?
- Drug Combo for Irregular Heartbeat Might Raise Bleeding Risk
- Lifestyle, Stress May Play Role in Heart Rhythm Disorder
- Many Atrial Fibrillation Patients Missing Out on Blood Thinners
- Many With Common Irregular Heartbeat Unaware of Stroke Risk
- Weight-Loss Surgery Tied to Lower Heart Risks
- Trouble Sleeping Tied to Higher Risk for Irregular Heartbeat
- Irregular Heart Rhythm Patients May Not Always Need Blood Thinners: Study
- Sleep Apnea May Boost Risk for Post-Op Problems
- Smartphone Device Detects Undiagnosed Irregular Heartbeat
- Some Increased Bleeding Risk Seen With Blood Thinner Xarelto Vs. Pradaxa
- Alcohol May Damage the Heart -- at Least for Some
- Heart Rhythm Disorder May Be Tied to Wider Range of Ills
- Irregular Heartbeat More Deadly in Blacks: Study
- Aspirin Often Wrongly Prescribed for Atrial Fibrillation
- Mixed News on Drinking and Heart Health
- Less Heart Care, More Strokes for Women?
- Middle-Age Fitness Helps Ward Off Stroke Later
- Irregular Heartbeat May Be Deadly in Car Crash
- Women Less Likely to Get Blood Thinner for Irregular Heartbeat
- Common Abnormal Heart Rhythm Linked to Cancer Risk
- After Heart Attack, New Threat: Heart Failure
- Heart Failure Risk Seems to Rise in Winter
- Is Daily Blood Thinner Needed for Irregular Heartbeat?
- Widely Used Heart Drug Tied to Dementia Risk
- CPR Help as Near as Your Phone
- No Statins Before Heart Surgery, Study Suggests
- Race May Influence Risk for Irregular Heart Beat
- Sleep Apnea May Raise Heart Risks in People With Pacemakers
- Warfarin Can Be Safe, Effective for People With Irregular Heartbeat
- FDA Approves First Wire-Free Pacemaker
- Common Irregular Heartbeat May Hamper Seniors' Walking Ability
- Death of Loved One May Trigger Heart Rhythm Trouble
- Many With Irregular Heartbeat Missing Out on Stroke-Preventing Treatments
- Flu Shot May Guard Against Irregular Heart Rate: Study
- Irregular Heart Beat May Pose Bigger Threat to Women
- Statins Aid Bypass Surgery Recovery, Research Shows
- Weight Loss May Help Control Common Irregular Heartbeat
- Botox Might Prevent Irregular Heartbeat After Bypass Surgery
- FDA Approves Drug to Reverse Blood Thinner's Effect
- Coffee May Not Risk Irregular Heartbeat, Study Claims
- Secondhand Smoke in Pregnancy, Youth Tied to Irregular Heartbeat Years Later
- Cold Weather May Up Risk of Stroke, Severe Heart Attack for Some
- Most Don't Need 'Bridging' When They Stop Warfarin Temporarily
- Exercise May Be Good Medicine for Irregular Heartbeat
- Implanted Defibrillators Restore Healthy Heart Function to Many: Study
- Antibiotic May Lower Effect of Some Blood Thinners
- White Men May Get Better Treatment for Abnormal Heartbeat
- Statins Might Reduce Complications After Major Lung Surgery
- COPD Raises Cardiac Death Risk for Those With Irregular Heartbeat
- How Safe Is Exercise for Those With Common Irregular Heartbeat?
- Early Menopause Tied to Lower Risk of Irregular Heartbeat
- Using 'Heartphone' to Detect Cardiac Irregularity
- Botox: An Rx for Irregular Heartbeat After Cardiac Surgery?
- Blood Thinner Warfarin May Pose Greater Bleeding Risk for Obese: Study
- Heart Drug Digoxin May Not Be Best for Some Heart Patients
- Device May Pose Dangers for Patients With Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- MRI May Help Gauge Stroke Risk in Those With Irregular Heartbeat
- Treating Sleep Apnea May Help Those With Heart Rhythm Disorder
- Pharmacists Key to Whether Patients Take Blood Thinners
- Blood Thinners Overprescribed for Low-Risk Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- Tackling Obesity May Ease a Dangerous Irregular Heartbeat
- Procedure May Beat Drug in Patients With Heart Failure, Irregular Heartbeat
- Common Drug for Irregular Heartbeat Tied to Worse Outcomes
- FDA OKs New Anti-Clotting Drug for Heart Rhythm Disorder
- Blood-Thinning Drug Savaysa Approved
- Was Beethoven Composing From His Heart?
- Doctors Aren't Discussing Sex With Heart Attack Survivors
- Exercise, Diet May Be Key to Beating a Common Irregular Heartbeat
- Hard Hit to Chest Triggered Irregular Heartbeat in Teen Football Player
- Treating Irregular Heartbeat With Digoxin May Come With Risks
- Some Painkillers Tied to Bleeding Risk in Those With Abnormal Heartbeat
- Deaths From Heart Disease Down, Up for Blood Pressure, Irregular Heartbeat
- Heart Device May Cut Stroke Risk in Those With Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- ER Visits for Common Irregular Heartbeat Are Rising, Study Finds
- Could Too Much Medication for Irregular Heartbeat Raise Dementia Risk?
- U.S. Prices Soaring for Some Generic Drugs, Experts Say
- Prescribe Blood Thinner Pradaxa With Caution, Study Warns
- Irregular Heartbeat Doubles Risk for 'Silent Strokes,' Review Suggests
- Fish Oil Supplements Have Little Effect on Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- FDA Approves New DVT Blood Clot Treatment
- Exercise May Guard Against Irregular Heartbeat in Older Women
- Common Irregular Heartbeat May Pose Risks for Surgery Patients
- Heart Medication Digoxin Linked to Higher Risk of Death for Some
- Blood-Thinner Pradaxa: What You Should Know
- Irregular Heart Rhythm Ups Stroke Risk Soon After Heart Surgery
- Even Moderate Drinking Might Raise Odds for Irregular Heartbeat
- Heart Monitoring May Prevent Some Strokes, Study Suggests
- Study Questions Use of Beta Blockers Before Heart Bypass Surgery
- More Americans Hospitalized for Irregular Heartbeat, Study Finds
- There May Be Such a Thing as 'Too Much Exercise'
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Help Prevent Heart Rhythm Disorder
- Taking Blood Thinners With Certain Painkillers May Raise Bleeding Risk
- Certain Prescription Painkillers Tied to Higher Risk of Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- Doctors' Groups Issue New Guidelines on Treating Common Irregular Heartbeat
- Tiny Wireless Pacemaker Shows Early Promise
- Pfizer Recalls Effexor Antidepressant
- Warfarin Safe for Kidney Patients With Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- Blood Thinners Now Recommended for People With Irregular Heartbeat
- New Guidelines Aim to Lower Stroke Risk in Women
- Early Promise for a Blood Thinner Without the Bleeding Risk
- A-Fib Doesn't Mean You're Banished to the Sidelines
- Living a Full Life, Irregular Heartbeat and All
- Dementia Risk Might Rise for Older Women With Heart Disease
- Warfarin May Up Stroke Risk in Those With Irregular Heartbeat: Study
- Simple Technique Eyed for Diagnosing Irregular Heart Beat
- 'Smart' Pacemakers May Protect Heart From Further Damage
- Studies Suggest Better Approaches to Staying Clot-Free
- Eyes Might Be Window Into Common Heart Disorder
- Antidote Might Reverse Complication From Blood Thinner Pradaxa
- Hospitalization Rates Soar for Irregular Heartbeat, Study Finds
- Weight Loss Can Combat Irregular Heart Beat, Study Says
- Heart-Rhythm Disorder Tied to Higher Risk of Heart Attack: Study
- Whites at Highest Risk for Irregular Heart Rhythm, Study Finds
- Blood Thinner Dangerous for Patients With Artificial Heart Valves, Study Finds
- Health Tip: Will a Pacemaker Help Me?
- New Defibrillator Works Without Wires Touching Heart
- Health Highlights: Aug. 6, 2013
- Did Extreme Cola Habit Cause Woman's Irregular Heartbeat?
- Grueling X-Country Ski Race May Affect Heart Rhythm
- Irregular Heartbeat May Speed Memory Loss in Seniors
- Blacks With Certain Gene Need Lower Doses of Warfarin: Study
- Comparing the New Blood Thinners to Warfarin
- Kcentra Approved to Stop Severe Bleeding in Heart Patients
- Heart Scarring May Be More Dangerous Than Thought, Study Suggests
- Yoga May Help With Common Heart Rhythm Disorder
- Heart Problems Tied to Early Signs of Dementia
- FDA Approves New Blood Thinner Eliquis
- FDA: Don't Use Pradaxa Blood Thinner in Patients With Artificial Heart Valves
- Fish Oil Supplements Won't Prevent Irregular Heart Beat: Study
- Heart Drug Digoxin Tied to Higher Death Risk for Some Patients
- Overactive Thyroid May Raise Risk for Common Irregular Heartbeat
- Common Antidepressants Tied to Higher Bleeding Risk in Warfarin Users: Study
- Xarelto's Approval Expanded
- Device Offers Hope for Battery-Free Pacemakers
- Moderate Drinking May Increase Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorder: Study
- New Anti-Clotting Drug Beats Warfarin, Study Says
- More Patients With Irregular Heartbeat Recognize Stroke Risk: Survey
- Health Tip: Have Heart Palpitations?
- Clot-Busting Stroke Drug Safe for Many Who Take Warfarin
- Health Tip: Living With a Pacemaker
- FDA Delays Decision on Blood Thinner Eliquis
- FDA Rejects New Use for Blood Thinner Xarelto
- Quick-Reversal Method May Be at Hand for New Blood Thinner
- Heart Rhythm Disorder May Raise Older Women's Stroke Risk
- FDA Panel Votes Against New Use for Blood Thinner Xarelto
- Asthma Meds May Be Linked to Irregular Heartbeat
- New Blood Thinner May Lower Chances of Clots in High-Risk Heart Patients: FDA
- FDA Approves Generic Versions of Plavix
- Plavix's New Generic Status Could Be Boon for Patients
- Palpitations May Signal Future Heart Rhythm Problem
- Black Africans Less Apt to Develop Heart Rhythm Disorder Than Whites
- Statins May Help Prevent Irregular Heartbeat in Elderly
- Irregular Heartbeat Poses Greater Stroke Risk for Women Than Men
- Screening for Other Health Problems May Aid COPD Survival
- Stopping Blood Thinners Raises Stroke Risk for Patients With Irregular Heartbeat
- Thyroid Condition Linked to Heart Problems: Study
- Warfarin Helps Cut Stroke Risk, Researchers Report
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Irregular Heartbeat
- Irregular Heart Rhythm Linked to Mental Problems
- New Anti-Clotting Drug May Cut Brain Bleeding Risk: Study
- Experimental Drug Might Beat Aspirin in Preventing Repeat Strokes: Study
- Sex OK for Many Heart Patients, Docs Say
- High-Normal Blood Pressure Raises Heart Risks in Men
- Even When Silent, Irregular Heartbeat Linked to Stroke Risk
- New Blood Thinner Linked To Higher Heart Attack Risk
- Health Highlights: Dec. 20, 2011
- Obese Patients May Benefit the Most From Surgery for Irregular Heartbeat
- Stroke Risk Profile May Also Predict Odds of Memory Problems
- Study: 'Thyroid Support' Supplements May Be Risky
- FDA Advisory Panel Backs Xarelto to Prevent Strokes
- Anti-clotting Drug Warfarin May Be Safe for Elderly
- Family History's Role in Heart Attack and Stroke
- FDA Warning on Atrial Fibrillation Drug Multaq
- Painkillers Linked to Heart Rhythm Disorder
- Atrial Fibrillation Raises Death Risk for Middle-Aged Women
- New Drug Helps Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
- Alcohol May Raise Risk of Irregular Heart Rhythm
- Healthy Lifestyle May Help Prevent Stroke
- Overactive Thyroid May Raise Early Stroke Risk
- Coffee May Cut Risk of Heart Rhythm Problems
From 
Heart Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Heart Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.