What is AFIB?

AFIB --  An irregular, often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow.  The heart's upper chambers (atria) beat out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles).  This condition may have no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear they include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.  Treatments include drugs, electrical shock (cardioversion), and minimally invasive surgery (ablation).

Can AFib go away on its own?
AFib may be brief, with symptoms that come and go. It is possible to have an atrial fibrillation episode that resolves on its own. Or, the condition may be persistent and require treatment. Sometimes AFib is permanent, and medicines or other treatments can't restore a normal heart rhythm.

According to the MAYO Clinic...
During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. Atrial fibrillation symptoms often include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.


Episodes of atrial fibrillation may come and go, or you may develop atrial fibrillation that doesn't go away and may require treatment. Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn't life-threatening, it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment.

A major concern with atrial fibrillation is the potential to develop blood clots within the upper chambers of the heart. These blood clots forming in the heart may circulate to other organs and lead to blocked blood flow (ischemia).

Treatments for atrial fibrillation may include medications and other interventions to try to alter the heart's electrical system.