What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly instead of maintaining a steady rhythm. Episodes may come and go or become persistent.

Some patients feel strong symptoms, while others discover AFib during a routine ECG.

Common AFib Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Irregular, rapid, or pounding heartbeat
• Fluttering in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or weakness
• Chest discomfort
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Fatigue

Why Is AFib Important?

AFib may cause blood to pool inside the heart, allowing clots to form. A clot can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

Untreated AFib may also contribute to heart failure or reduced heart function.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

AFib is associated with:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Heart failure
• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Heavy alcohol use
• Increasing age

How Is AFib Diagnosed?

Evaluation may include:

• Electrocardiogram
• Holter or event monitoring
• Echocardiogram
• Blood tests
• Blood pressure assessment
• Review of stroke risk factors

Longer rhythm monitoring may be recommended when episodes occur intermittently.

AFib Treatment

Treatment is personalized and may include:

• Heart rate control medication
• Rhythm control medication
• Blood-thinning medication
• Cardioversion
• Catheter ablation
• Management of underlying heart conditions

Patients requiring procedures may be referred to an appropriate hospital or specialist center.

Stroke Prevention for AFib

Not every AFib patient requires blood-thinning medication. The decision depends on age, blood pressure, diabetes, previous stroke, heart failure, and other risk factors.

A cardiologist should assess both stroke risk and bleeding risk before treatment.

When Is AFib an Emergency?

Seek emergency care for AFib accompanied by:

• Severe chest pain
• Fainting
• Major breathing difficulty
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Facial drooping
• Speech difficulty
• Confusion or vision changes

These may indicate a heart emergency or stroke.

AFib Care for International Patients

Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic welcomes international patients and expatriates seeking AFib evaluation or follow-up care in Seoul.

Bring previous ECGs, Holter results, echocardiograms, medical records, and a current medication list when available.

Why Choose Dr. Lim Do-Sun Heart Clinic?

The clinic provides:

• Cardiologist-led AFib consultations
• ECG and Holter monitoring
• Echocardiography
• Stroke-risk assessment
• Medication review
• Personalized follow-up
• International patient support

Book an AFib Evaluation in Seoul

An irregular heartbeat should be properly evaluated, even when symptoms are mild or intermittent.

Visit Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic for atrial fibrillation testing, stroke-risk assessment, and cardiovascular care in Seoul, Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AFib the same as arrhythmia?

AFib is one specific type of arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers.

Can AFib come and go?

Yes. Paroxysmal AFib may start and stop suddenly, making Holter or event monitoring helpful.

Does every AFib patient need blood thinners?

No. Blood-thinning medication is recommended according to the patient’s individual stroke and bleeding risks.

Can AFib cause a stroke?

Yes. AFib can increase the risk of blood clots that may travel to the brain.

Can stress or alcohol trigger AFib?

Stress, poor sleep, illness, dehydration, and alcohol may trigger episodes in some patients.

Can AFib be treated successfully?

AFib can often be controlled through medication, cardioversion, ablation, lifestyle management, or a combination of treatments.