Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. It describes a heartbeat where the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat out of coordination with the lower chambers (the ventricles).
With an early diagnosis and the right care, people with atrial fibrillation can effectively manage their condition and lead full, active lives.
If you suspect you have a persistently irregular heartbeat or other related symptoms, know that help is here for you.
Atrial fibrillation—commonly known as AFib—is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This results in a fast and irregular heartbeat that can affect blood flow and increase the risk of complications like stroke or heart failure.
The medical term for AFib is atrial fibrillation, though you may also come across the older term auricular fibrillation, which refers to the same condition.
Differentiating AFib from Cardiac Fibrillation
It’s helpful to understand how AFib fits within the broader category of cardiac arrhythmias:
Some people with atrial fibrillation may have no noticeable signs. For others, cardiac fibrillation symptoms can be unsettling and impact daily activities.
Heart rate is often significantly faster than normal and feels irregular or erratic, which contributes to many of these symptoms.
The primary cause of atrial fibrillation relates to damage or abnormalities in the heart’s structure. However, in some cases, the cause is unknown.
Diagnosing atrial fibrillation (AF) involves a careful evaluation of your symptoms, health history and heart rhythm. Because AF may be intermittent or asymptomatic, a combination of methods may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess its severity.
Your specialist will ask about:
This helps determine if you’re at risk and what may be triggering or sustaining the arrhythmia
During the exam, your specialist may:
The key test for confirming AF is an electrocardiogram (ECG) — a non-invasive, painless test that measures the heart’s electrical activity.
If atrial fibrillation is suspected but not captured on a standard ECG, your specialist may recommend:
These tools help identify paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (episodes that come and go) that might otherwise be missed.
To evaluate underlying causes or complications, your specialist may order:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is classified into several types based on how long the irregular rhythm lasts and whether it resolves spontaneously or with treatment. Understanding the type of atrial fibrillation you have helps guide management decisions and long-term care.
This form of AF comes and goes on its own. Episodes begin suddenly and typically stop within 24 hours to a few days, but always less than 7 days. The heart returns to a normal rhythm (sinus rhythm) without the need for intervention, although medications may still be used to reduce frequency and symptoms. Paroxysmal AF can recur unpredictably.
In this type, the abnormal rhythm lasts longer than 7 days and does not resolve on its own. Medical or electrical treatment (such as cardioversion) is usually needed to restore normal rhythm. Persistent AF may start as paroxysmal but become more sustained over time.
This diagnosis applies when AF has been ongoing continuously for more than 12 months. While restoring sinus rhythm may still be possible, long-standing AF typically requires more complex treatment strategies and closer monitoring.
In permanent AF, attempts to restore a normal rhythm have either failed or are no longer being pursued. The focus of treatment shifts to controlling the heart rate and reducing the risk of stroke, rather than converting the rhythm. This form reflects a long-term management approach agreed upon by both the patient and the healthcare provider.
This refers to AF that is not caused by a mechanical or rheumatic heart valve disease or by a prosthetic heart valve. This distinction is important because it affects decisions about anticoagulation (blood thinning) treatment. Patients with nonvalvular AF may be eligible for newer types of oral anticoagulants (DOACs), while those with valvular AF may require warfarin.
Atrial flutter is a related arrhythmia that often occurs alongside AF. While AF is marked by chaotic and irregular electrical activity in the atria, atrial flutter involves more organised but still abnormal rapid electrical signals. Both can cause similar symptoms and complications, and they may alternate in the same patient. Management strategies often overlap.
Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation focuses on three primary goals: resetting the heart’s rhythm (when possible), controlling the heart rate to prevent the heart from overworking, and, most importantly, preventing blood clots to reduce the risk of stroke.
Ready to learn what might help you? Learn more about the specific atrial fibrillation treatments and what to expect on our dedicated treatment page.
Without proper treatment, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications:
A good care routine helps slow progression and reduces emergency visits.
Atrial fibrillation in Singapore is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This irregular rhythm can cause symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath. More importantly, it increases the risk of serious complications like stroke and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation can be classified as paroxysmal (episodes that start and stop on their own), persistent (requiring treatment to return to normal rhythm), or permanent (long-term irregular rhythm that cannot be corrected).
The journey for managing atrial fibrillation in Singapore often starts with a consultation with a cardiologist, who will assess symptoms, medical history, and conduct tests such as ECGs or echocardiograms. Treatment may begin with medications to control heart rate, rhythm and prevent blood clots. If these are not sufficient, minimally invasive procedures like catheter ablation or device implantation may be recommended.
After treatment, regular follow-ups are important to monitor progress, adjust therapy and support long-term heart health. Patients may also be encouraged to adopt lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake and managing blood pressure.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation in Singapore, such as rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort, dizziness or sudden shortness of breath. Even if symptoms seem mild, early detection and management can prevent complications like stroke.
Those with existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease should be especially vigilant. Timely consultation with a cardiologist ensures that treatment is tailored to individual risk factors and health needs.
You do not have to manage atrial fibrillation alone. A cardiologist or an electrophysiologist (a cardiologist who specialises in heart rhythms) can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan to protect your health.
If you have symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, book a consultation to get clear answers.
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