What is Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and quickly. The heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, fails to generate impulses properly, causing an irregular and fast heart rate.

The most common cause of atrial fibrillation is scarring from a previous heart attack. Other causes include high blood pressure, valve disorders or cardiomyopathy.

Treatment for atrial fibrillation can be either medical or surgical. Medications may be prescribed to control the abnormal rhythm of the heart or reduce its symptoms and complications. In some cases surgery may be needed to correct problems with the mitral valve or other parts of the heart that are causing atrial fibrillation.