ARRHYTHMIA·9 min read

What Is Atrial Fibrillation? A Complete Guide

Creator: Dr. Avazbek Ravshanov
Published: 2026-08-02T00:00:00.000Z

By Dr. Avazbek Ravshanov·Aug 2, 2026

Article cover image

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers.

KEY FACT

AFib increases stroke risk approximately five-fold if left untreated, making early detection critical.

Mechanisms

AFib arises from disorganized electrical activity in the atria, often triggered by ectopic foci near the pulmonary veins. This leads to irregular, rapid atrial contractions and an irregularly irregular ventricular response.

Risk Stratification

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is used to estimate stroke risk and guide anticoagulation decisions, while the HAS-BLED score helps assess bleeding risk.

IMPORTANT NOTE

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice from a licensed clinician.

Management Overview

Treatment centers on three pillars: stroke prevention (anticoagulation), rate or rhythm control, and management of underlying risk factors such as hypertension and sleep apnea.

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