Vorhofflimmernan irregular rhythm worth taking seriously.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular, often fast heartbeat that starts in the upper chambers of the heart. It is common, especially with age. It matters mainly because it raises the risk of stroke, and that risk can be greatly reduced.
At a glance
- Often noticed as
- Palpitations, breathlessness, or nothing at all
- Confirmed with
- An ECG or a Holter recording
- Aim of care
- Prevent stroke and control the heart rate
- Followed up in
- Allgemeine Kardiologie
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some people have none. These are the most common.
- A fluttering, racing or irregular heartbeat
- Breathlessness, especially on exertion
- Tiredness and less energy for exercise
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- No symptoms at all: AF is often found by chance
Causes and risk factors
- Age over 65
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure, valve disease or coronary artery disease
- An overactive thyroid
- Excess weight and sleep apnoea
- Heavy alcohol use
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis starts with your history and an examination. These are the tests most often used to confirm it.
- EKGIn der Praxis verfügbar
- Langzeit-EKG (Holter)In der Praxis verfügbar
- EchokardiografieIn der Praxis verfügbar
How it is managed
Stroke prevention
Your stroke risk is scored, and most people with AF are offered an anticoagulant (a blood thinner) to lower it.
Rate control
Medicines slow the heart so it pumps more efficiently, which often eases symptoms.
Rhythm control
Some people benefit from restoring a normal rhythm with medicine, cardioversion or ablation, arranged by referral.
Treating what drives it
Blood pressure, weight, alcohol, sleep apnoea and thyroid problems all affect how often AF comes back.
General information, not a treatment plan. Your treatment is decided with you after an assessment.
Get emergency help now if you have
Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
- Weakness of the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking
- Chest pain with a racing heartbeat
- Fainting, or nearly fainting
- Severe breathlessness
Common questions
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
It is rarely an immediate danger, but untreated it raises the risk of stroke and can weaken the heart over time. Both risks can be reduced with treatment.
Will I need a blood thinner for life?
It depends on your stroke risk score, which is based on your age and other conditions. The decision is reviewed as your circumstances change.
My smartwatch says I have AF. What should I do?
Keep the recording and book an appointment. A watch reading is a useful clue, and it is confirmed with a proper ECG.
Other conditions
All conditions- HerzinsuffizienzDer Herzmuskel pumpt oder füllt sich nicht so gut, wie er sollte, sodass der Körper weniger erhält, als er braucht.
- BluthochdruckDer Druck in den Arterien bleibt zu hoch. Er verursacht selten Beschwerden, belastet aber Herz und Gefäße auf Dauer.
- Erhöhtes CholesterinZu viel Cholesterin im Blut, das sich über viele Jahre in den Arterienwänden ablagern kann.
- Koronare HerzkrankheitDie Arterien, die den Herzmuskel versorgen, werden durch fetthaltige Ablagerungen verengt.
- KardiomyopathieEine Erkrankung des Herzmuskels selbst, der verdickt, gedehnt oder versteift sein kann.
- HerzklappenerkrankungEine der vier Herzklappen öffnet sich nicht vollständig oder schließt nicht richtig.
- Angina pectorisBrustbeschwerden, meist bei Belastung, wenn der Herzmuskel kurzzeitig zu wenig Blut erhält.
- HerzrhythmusstörungEin zu schneller, zu langsamer oder unregelmäßiger Herzschlag, verursacht durch eine Störung im elektrischen System des Herzens.
- Diabetes und HerzDiabetes erhöht das Risiko für Herz- und Gefäßerkrankungen, daher werden beide am besten gemeinsam behandelt.
Living with this, or worried you might be?
Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Your history, results and treatment are reviewed in person, and the plan is explained to you before you leave.
This page explains a condition in general terms. It cannot diagnose you or replace an examination, and it is not a treatment plan. Do not change or stop a medicine without talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are severe, sudden or happening now, seek emergency care immediately.