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Heart Health
The ABCs of atrial fibrillation
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Here’s what you need to know about this heart rhythm disorder, which can raise your risk of stroke.
If you sometimes notice a fluttering, quivering sensation in your chest, you might have atrial fibrillation. About one in 11 men ages 65 and older has this heart rhythm disorder, commonly known as afib.
Afib causes an irregular and often faster-than-normal heartbeat. At rest, a normal heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute with a steady rhythm: beat... beat... beat. During afib, the heartbeat becomes erratic with an irregular rhythm: beat… beat... beat-beat-beat... beat. Afib can be persistent and chronic, or it can happen intermittently (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation).
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…
Managing Atrial Fibrillation
Managing Atrial Fibrillation will explain what atrial fibrillation is, how to know if you have it, its causes, and the treatments available. Afib can be a complex health condition, so the more you know about it, the better you will be able to work with your doctor. If afib is monitored and treated correctly, you can minimize its symptoms and help to prevent serious complications like stroke and heart damage.
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