An arrhythmia happens once the rate of recurrence of one's heartbeat happens to be irregular - the rate may become more rapidly or weaker. There are lots of arrhythmia, but those within the ventricles are usually much more dangerous compared to those originating from the atria.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is among the different kinds of arrhythmia. If this happens, the heartbeat is not really controlled from the area of the heart known as the Keith-Flack node, but is in fact stimulated by various areas of the atria which are contracting simultaneously. These uncoordinated contractions trigger fibrillation that is not really useful in pushing blood into the ventricles of the heart. The abnormal heartbeats result from the fast contractions of the atria (generally greater than 350 per minute, and the passage of the abnormal electrical signals through the AV node. Actually, not all electrical impulses are transmitted towards the ventricles, as some are obstructed occasionally.

Atrial fibrillation is possibly threatening since the blood is unable to flow well from the atrium, which adds to the possibility of a blood clot development. When the clog goes to your brain, it may provoke a stroke. AF is among the most common types of all life threatening arrhythmias, which affects 1% of individuals aged above 65 years old. The danger goes up to 10% for individuals older than 85 years old.

•Paroxysmal AF is actually a condition which will arise all of a sudden and the regular heartbeat recovers eventually, without doctor's aid.

•In the case of consistent AF, the heart beats irregularly and immediate care is important to reset the natural rhythm.

•In the situation of irreversible AF, the heartbeat is abnormal and doesn't revert to normal in spite of prescribed drugs as well as other therapy.

The 3 cases show similar danger for the development of thrombus.

The reasons for the development of atrial fibrillation aren't often recognized. However, it may occur as a result of:

•an innate problem of the heart;

•diseases which usually destroy the heart valves;

•high blood pressure level;

•thyroid disease;

•an extreme alcohol consumption (binge drinking one);

•increasing age

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Because the ventricles beat very quickly and are not able to properly fill with blood pumped to the body, AF can lead to heart failure.

Fatigue and shortness of breath are common symptoms of heart failure. An accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes these symptoms. Fluid can also accumulate in the feet, ankles and legs, causing weight gain.

Lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes special care (rarely, a mechanical heart pump or heart transplant) are the main treatments for heart failure.