Harvard Health Publishing Has Answers To Common Questions About Atrial Fibrillation.

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What is the life expectancy of patients with atrial fibrillation?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart's electrical system goes awry. Instead of the heart's natural pacemaker creating a steady beat, the heart's upper chambers (atria) pulsate rapidly. Most of the electrical impulses telling the lower chambers (ventricles) to contract don't get through; but many do, triggering an irregular heartbeat. A person appropriately treated for atrial fibrillation who otherwise has a normal heart has close to the similar life expectancy as someone with a normal heart rhythm. The prognosis for someone with underlying heart disease would be most dependent on the severity of the heart condition.

Does a heart heal itself after treatment for atrial fibrillation?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat. It happens more frequently as we age. People with any type of underlying heart disease are more likely to develop atrial fib. But this abnormal heart rhythm can occur in people with an otherwise normal heart. Many people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. In a person who does have symptoms, the symptoms will usually resolve once the problem is treated.

→ Learn more about atrial fibrillation: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to atrial fibrillation.

Is having a seizure a sign of atrial fibrillation?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that occurs more commonly as we age. If a person had a seizure and was found to be in atrial fibrillation, most likely the two problems are not related. Very rarely, atrial fibrillation can cause an extremely fast heart rate leading to decreased blood flow to the brain. The insufficient delivery of oxygen to the brain could possibly cause a seizure.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.