Under normal conditions, the heart beats regularly through contraction and diastole. Certain cells in the heart emit electrical signals that stimulate the heart to pump blood by contracting. An electrocardiogram recording can clearly show these electrical signals. Doctors can check the ECG to see if the electrical signals are normal. When atrial fibrillation occurs, the two small upper chambers do not beat normally in a strong, rhythmic manner. Unlike the regular, normal beating of fish oil, the atria beat irregularly and very rapidly, like 10,000 gels of fibrillation. The heart’s ability to pump blood properly is very important because the body depends on blood for oxygen and oxygen materials. When atrial fibrillation occurs, the patient can still live a normal life, but the condition can lead to other heart rate problems, chronic fatigue, heart failure, and even stroke. How do I know if I have atrial fibrillation? Patients may experience some of the following symptoms: 1. irregular, rapid heartbeats; 2. palpitations or rapid heartbeat; 3. dizziness, excessive sweating, chest pain or pressure; 4. shortness of breath or anxiety; 5. fatigue more easily with exercise; 6. coma. How is atrial fibrillation corrected? Sometimes atrial fibrillation is corrected by electric shocks. Electric shocks can return the heartbeat to normal. Patients can take medications (such as anti-arrhythmic drugs) to help normalize the heart rhythm. Digitalis, calcium channel blockers or amiodarone may be taken to help slow the rhythm. Surgery, pacemakers or other methods may be required. What can be done to reduce the risk of stroke? Atrial fibrillation is five times more likely to cause a stroke than the general population. This is because atrial fibrillation causes blood to build up in the atria and form blood clots. In order to reduce the risk of stroke, the doctor may prescribe medications to organize the formation of blood clots. Examples include warfarin, an anticoagulant class, and aspirin, an antiplatelet drug class. Better recently 2 new drugs named dabigatran, rivaroxaban have been approved by the NDA and the doctor may prescribe this drug. Always consult your physician or pharmacist when taking aspirin, warfarin, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban.