Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm which is extremely common. Around 1 in 4 people will be affected by atrial fibrillation at some stage of their life. Occasionally atrial fibrillation is a sign of an underlying heart valve or heart muscle problem but it often affects people whose hearts are otherwise normal.

• What problems can Atrial Fibrillation cause?
  

A range of symptoms can be caused by atrial fibrillation, including awareness of a fast or irregular heart beat, which is often called palpitations. It can also cause breathlessness and difficulty with concentration, but in other people atrial fibrillation can occur without any symptoms. It is often picked up during routine medical / blood pressure checks.

Atrial fibrillation involves a disorganised rhythm in the top 2 chambers of the heart. These chambers are called the right and left atrium (from the Latin word meaning hallway) and these chambers channel blood into the ventricles, which are the main pumping chambers of the heart. During atrial fibrillation, the blood does not flow normally through the heart and stagnation of blood can lead to clots. These blood clots can travel around the body, causing strokes and other problems. The risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation needs careful assessment, leading to a decision on anticoagulation (blood thinning drugs). (Link)

• Why have I got atrial fibrillation?
  

The short answer is that it is often impossible to determine the cause of atrial fibrillation in an individual. Occasionally it can relate to an overactive thyroid gland and this can be checked with a simple blood test. There is an association between atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure. Stress and alcohol can also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation.

• What is the relationship between atrial fibrillation and exercise?
  

Atrial fibrillation is sometimes brought on by exercise. It can occur in older and younger athletes and this requires specialist assessment and treatment. Usually with the correct treatment an active lifestyle can be maintained.

• What treatments are available for atrial fibrillation?
  

Treatment for atrial fibrillation falls into three categories:
(1) lifestyle factors including weight loss, modification of alcohol and caffeine intake
(2) safety - stroke prevention with anticoagulant drugs
(3) symptom control with medication / ablation / pacemakers etc

Your doctor should discuss these treatment options to enable you to work out what is best for you.

---