Atrial fibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation?

You may be very aware of symptoms, such as heart palpitations, tiredness or shortness of breath, or sometimes you may be largely unaware that there is anything wrong.

Atrial fibrillation is common, with an estimated 2.5% of the UK population affected (NICE, March 2023). You are more likely to develop the condition as you become older – there is a substantial rise in cases of atrial fibrillation above the age of 55 years, which increases rapidly in each subsequent 5 years of life. As many as 15.4% of people over 80 years may have atrial fibrillation (Rotterdam study, European Heart Journal, 2006).

Since atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher risk of developing stroke and heart failure, you need to see a doctor, who can organise the appropriate tests, and any subsequent treatment.