Full form of AF is Atrial Fibrillation

The Full form of AF is Atrial Fibrillation. AF is an irregular and abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical signals are generated chaotically throughout the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Many people with Atrial Fibrillation have no signs or symptoms (asymptomatic). It is the most common supraventricular tachycardia. It reduces the ability of the atria to pump blood into the ventricles, and usually causes the heart to beat too rapidly. Half a million new cases of are diagnosed every year in the United States, and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of the condition include Palpitation, Dizziness, Fainting, Weakness, Fatigue, Shortness of breath and Chest pain. Complications of AF (Atrial Fibrillation) include stroke and heart failure. Physical examination, Holter monitor, electrocardiogram, or patient-activated event recorder can make and confirm the diagnosis of AF. Treatment of for the condition is directed toward controlling underlying causes, stroke prevention using blood-thinning medications and slowing the heart rate and/or converting the heart to normal rhythm. Medications are commonly used in the longer term to prevent or control recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation, but medications may not be effective and may have intolerable side effects. Non-medication treatments of atrial fibrillation include pacemakers, atrial defibrillators, AV node ablation, and the Maze procedure.