Atrial fibrillation: Australia's most common heart arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia in Australia, affecting more than 500,000 people. It is a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and often too fast. This can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood and increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart.

AF can be a serious condition, but it is often treatable. There are a number of medications and procedures that can be used to control the heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications.

Symptoms of AF

Some people with AF do not experience any symptoms, while others may have a range of symptoms, including:

• Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness

Risk factors for AF

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing AF, including:

• Age: AF is more common in older adults.
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of AF

Diagnosis of AF

AF can be diagnosed with a number of tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart.
• Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is a portable ECG that you wear for 24 hours to record your heart rhythm.
• Event recorder: An event recorder is a small device that you carry with you and can be used to record your heart rhythm when you experience symptoms.

Treatment for AF

The main goals of treatment for AF are to control the heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications. This can be done with a number of medications and procedures, including:

• Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to control the heart rhythm in AF. These medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners can help to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the heart and causing a stroke.
• Catheter ablation: Catheter ablation is a procedure that uses heat or cold energy to destroy the tissue in the heart that is causing the abnormal heart rhythm.
• Surgery: Surgery may be an option for people with AF who are not responding to other treatments.

Research into AF at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is a world-leading research institute that is dedicated to finding new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent heart disease. The institute has a number of research programs focused on AF, including:

• Developing new genetic tests to identify people who are at risk of developing AF
• Developing new medications and procedures to control the heart rhythm in AF
• Investigating the link between AF and other heart conditions, such as heart failure and stroke.

Conclusion

AF is a serious heart condition, but it is often treatable. There is a lot of research being done into AF, and new and better treatments are being developed all the time. If you have any concerns about AF, please talk to your doctor.