Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a particular type of heartbeat (arrhythmia) characterized by an extremely fast irregular rhythm.
When at rest, the healthy heartbeats between 60 and 90 times a minute, with the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) beating slightly earlier than the ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart). The rate and timing of contractions (beats) are regulated by electrical impulses generated by the sinoatrial node (a specialized group of cells that produce small...
Q: My brother has atrial fibrillation problems. Is there anything that he eats that can cause his heart to act up or certain foods he... Read more »
The first thing I noticed about atrial fibrillation had nothing to do with my heart or chest. The first thing I noticed was that my lips... Read more »
Reader's Question: I was diagnosed with osteopenia. My doctor advised me to start taking Fosamax. My mother has atrial fibrillation. ... Read more »
“You want to do what?” she asked. “Because you have Atrial Fibrillation, I’d like to schedule you for an electrical... Read more »
People who suffer with Atrial Fibrillation ask this question very, very frequently. It is a common worry. Why? A couple reasons seem... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Atrial fibrillation/flutter is a common type of abnormal heartbeat in which the heart rhythm is fast and irregular. Alternative Names ... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
A stroke is the sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen. A stroke is usually defined as one of two types:Ischemic (caused by a blockage in... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Signs of StrokeThe American Stroke Association advises everyone to learn to recognize these signs of stroke:Sudden numbness or weakness of the face,... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect in which the wall that separates the upper heart chambers (atria) does not close completely.... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
An atrial myxoma is a noncancerous tumor in the upper left or right side of the heart. It grows on the wall (atrial septum) that separates the two... Read more »