Disease or Syndrome
atrial fibrillation
[ ey-tree-al fib-ruh-ley-shuh ]
Subclass of:
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Also called:
AF; AFib
Definitions related to atrial fibrillation:
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A disorder characterized by an electrocardiographic finding of a supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by the replacement of consistent P waves by rapid oscillations or fibrillatory waves that vary in size, shape and timing and are accompanied by an irregular ventricular response. (CDISC)NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A disorder in which the two upper chambers of the heart beat fast and erratically. Because blood isn't pumped out of these chambers fully, it may pool and form clots that could lead to a stroke.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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Abnormal cardiac rhythm that is characterized by rapid, uncoordinated firing of electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart (HEART ATRIA). In such case, blood cannot be effectively pumped into the lower chambers of the heart (HEART VENTRICLES). It is caused by abnormal impulse generation.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. The cause is a disorder in the heart's electrical system. Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. But you may feel Palpitations -- an abnormal rapid heartbeat; Shortness of breath; Weakness or difficulty exercising; Chest pain; Dizziness or fainting; Fatigue; Confusion. AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke. In many patients, it can also cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure. Doctors diagnose AF using family and medical history, a physical exam, and a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG), which looks at the electrical waves your heart makes. Treatments include medicines and procedures to restore normal rhythm. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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An atrial arrhythmia characterized by disorganized atrial activity without discrete P waves on the surface EKG, but instead by an undulating baseline or more sharply circumscribed atrial deflections of varying amplitude an frequency ranging from 350 to 600 per minute.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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An irregular heart rhythm, usually associated with a rapid rate, that is caused by abnormal electrical activity within the atria.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Disorder of cardiac rhythm characterized by rapid, irregular atrial impulses and ineffective atrial contractions.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Irregular heart rhythm, usually associated with a rapid rate, that is caused by abnormal electrical activity within the atrial.U.S. FDA GlossaryU.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2021
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A disorder characterized by a dysrhythmia without discernible P waves and an irregular ventricular response due to multiple reentry circuits. The rhythm disturbance originates above the ventricles.Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsU.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
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Atrial fibrillation is a rapid, irregularly irregular atrial rhythm. Symptoms include palpitations and sometimes weakness, effort intolerance, dyspnea, and presyncope. Atrial thrombi may form, causing a significant risk of embolic stroke. Diagnosis is by electrocardiography. Treatment involves rate control with drugs, prevention of...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) has strong associations with other cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. It is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat (see the image below).WebMD, 2019
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Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Atrial fibrillation, irregular rhythm of contraction of the muscles of the atrium, the upper chamber of the heart. In some cases the fibrillations are not noticed by the patient, but frequently the chaotic, rapid, and shallow beats are felt as significant palpitations of the heart, often...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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