What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and serious heart rhythm disorder. When AF occurs for some reason, the control of the sinus node in the right atrium is lost and a part of the left atrium sends out a different kind of bioelectricity, which is fast and chaotic, and the frequency of atrial contractions can be as high as 300-600 beats/min. The frequency of atrial contractions can be as high as 300 -600 beats per minute and cause the ventricles to beat irregularly. Dangers of atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation causes heart failure. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by a rapid and slow ventricular rate and severe arrhythmias, reduced cardiac output, and a decrease in cardiac function of about 30%, which significantly reduces the patient’s ability to perform daily activities and can lead to heart failure. Atrial fibrillation leads to stroke. Patients with atrial fibrillation are prone to the formation of atrial thrombus, which can dislodge and lead to stroke, heart and kidney infarction and other important organs. The incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation can be 6-8 times higher than that of the normal population. Atrial fibrillation leads to sudden death. Patients with atrial fibrillation can die suddenly due to induced ventricular fibrillation, and their mortality rate is 2-4 times higher than that of the normal population. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation Most patients with atrial fibrillation may have the following symptoms: Palpitations – Feeling of panic, disturbed heartbeat or rapid heartbeat. Dizziness – feeling lightheaded or faint. Shortness of breath – Feeling breathless during an attack, physical fatigue or exertion. Chest discomfort – pain, pressure, or discomfort. Some patients with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms and are only detected by chance or when serious complications of atrial fibrillation, such as stroke, embolism or heart failure, occur, with serious irreparable consequences.