Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disturbance causing an irregular, fast pulse. This condition significantly increases stroke risk due to blood clot formation, impacting thousands annually.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder.
- It arises from disorganized electrical impulses in the heart.
- AF elevates stroke risk by four to five times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize essential facts about atrial fibrillation.
- To highlight the link between AF and stroke risk.
- To provide context on the prevalence of AF-related strokes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiac rhythm disturbances.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on stroke incidence.
- Synthesis of information from reputable sources like the British Heart Foundation.
Main Results:
- AF characterized by abnormal, often rapid, pulse.
- Disruption of normal electrical coordination in the heart.
- Significant increase in stroke risk attributed to AF.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of stroke.
- Understanding AF is crucial for stroke prevention.
- The condition affects a substantial number of individuals, necessitating awareness and management.
Abstract:
Essential facts Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes an abnormal, sometimes fast pulse, and is the most common heart rhythm disturbance. It occurs when electrical impulses controlling the heart's natural rhythm lose co-ordination. People with AF have a four or five times higher risk of stroke because it increases the risk of a blood clot forming in the chambers of the heart. The condition is responsible for 22,500 strokes a year in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
More Related Videos
08:10Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
09:17High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 29, 2011
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias