SEPTEMBER IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION MONTH

Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as "afib" , is an irregular heartbeat, a rapid heartbeat, or a quivering of the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. Atrial fibrillation is due to a malfunction in the heart's electrical system, and is the most common heart irregularity, or cardiac arrhythmia.

Different patients have different symptoms. Some patients describe afib as feeling like skipped heartbeats, followed by a thud and a speeding up or racing of the heart. Others describe it as an erratic heatbeat, strong heart palpitations, or simply a rapid heart rate. For still others, it feels like fluttering, butterflies, or even a flopping fish in the chest. Others have chest and throat pressure that mimics a heart attack, or constriction around the left bicep. For some people, afib doesn't stop, and may continue for hours, days, weeks, months, or even years.

While atrial fibrillation may not sound serious, and is often considered to be a minor health issue, it can actually be quite risky and potentially even life threatening.

If you have any of the above symptoms, or an questions concerning afib, please contact your doctor.

source: http://www.stopafib.org/