Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Analgesia team
AFib Medical Abbreviation
AFib is the medical abbreviation for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and very quickly, often more than 400 times per minute.
Atrial fibrillation can cause serious medical complications, including:
- Blood clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke
- Heart failure
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
- Racing heart (palpitations)
- Tiredness or weakness
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty exercising
Causes of AFib
- Advanced age
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Endocrine disorders like diabetes
- Genetic factors
- Sleep apnea
Some lifestyle choices that may help prevent atrial fibrillation include:
- Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
- Not smoking or using tobacco
- Eating a low-salt, low-saturated fat diet
- Exercising at least 30 minutes a day
- Getting enough sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing and managing stress
AFib can be occasional or persistent. It’s often asymptomatic and undiagnosed.