In brief
A heart rhythm problem in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) twitch, or fibrillate, rather than pump normally. It can cause palpitations, shortness of breath and tiredness, but some people have no symptoms.
- healthdirect suggests limiting alcohol to no more than 3 drinks a week.
- Staying active, losing weight if needed, avoiding smoking or vaping, and getting tested for sleep apnoea all help.
- See your doctor if you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
How it works
Other symptoms include feeling dizzy or light-headed and feeling weak or tired. Risk factors include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, living with obesity, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, obstructive sleep apnoea, heart problems such as coronary heart disease, heart valve disease or heart failure, chronic kidney disease and an overactive thyroid. It can run in families and becomes more common with age.
Atrial fibrillation can increase the chance of a stroke, so doctors may prescribe blood-thinning medicines to reduce it. Other treatments include medicines to restore a normal rhythm or slow the heart rate, cardioversion, which uses an electrical shock to reset the rhythm, and catheter ablation.
Looking after it
Go to an emergency department if you have severe symptoms, faint or feel you might faint, or have chest pain at rest. In an emergency, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Connections
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be raised by
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) Supported
Chronic kidney disease is one of the risk factors for atrial fibrillation.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation.
Drinking too much alcohol is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and healthdirect suggests no more than 3 drinks a week for people with it.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and healthdirect suggests getting tested for it.
Living with obesity is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) can raise
Atrial fibrillation can increase the chance of having a stroke, which is why blood-thinning medicines may be prescribed.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Atrial fibrillation; healthdirect Australia, Stroke
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects
In atrial fibrillation the upper chambers of the heart twitch, or fibrillate, rather than pump normally.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause
Atrial fibrillation can cause palpitations, shortness of breath and tiredness, though some people have no symptoms.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked with
Heart failure is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and people with heart failure have a higher risk of abnormal rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Atrial fibrillation; Heart Foundation, What is heart failure?
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.