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All About Atrial Fibrillation

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The Three Types of Atrial Fibrillation

• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation - the abnormal electrical signals and quickened heart rate begin suddenly and then stop on their own. Patients may experience mild or severe symptoms. Symptoms can last for just a few seconds or minutes, or persist for hours, and even days. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation generally originates from the junction of the pulmonary veins within the left atrium (the left upper chamber of the heart).


• Persistent Atrial Fibrillation - in this case the atrial fibrillation only stops when the patient receives treatment.


• Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation - used to be called Permanent Atrial Fibrillation. The patient's normal heart rhythm cannot be restored with the usual treatments. Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation can occur more frequently and eventually become Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

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What is Acute-onset atrial fibrillation?

This is an atrial fibrillation that has started suddenly, or has made symptoms get worse. This could be a recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) - it has happened for the first time - or the patient may have had AF before. Acute-onset AF can occur in patients with either persistent or paroxysmal AF, and among those who are already undergoing AF treatment, as well as patients who are not being treated. Some patients with acute AF which leads to potentially dangerous symptoms may need treatment in hospital.

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What is Post-operative atrial fibrillation?

This is a type of AF that may happen after surgery. Generally, it stops by itself. Sometimes the patient may require treatment.

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This Atrial Fibrillation information section was written by Christian Nordqvist for Medical News Today, and may not be re-produced in any way without the permission of Medical News Today.

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Sources of information:

• National Institutes of Health (USA)
• National Health Service (UK)
• The Mayo Clinic (USA)
• Wikipedia

Further information

• Useful Heart Disease Website Links

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information purposes only. The materials contained within this guide do not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice, which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers. Full disclaimer.

© MediLexicon International Ltd

Heart Disease

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

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