These includeSome people with AF have no symptoms and only get a diagnosis after a routine physical examination or an examination for an unrelated reason. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often rapid heart rate.

Having AF increases a person’s risk of having a stroke or developing heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) results from faulty signals produced by the heart's electrical system, causing the upper portion of the heart to fibrillate, or contract rapidly and irregularly. Atrial fibrillation -- the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia -- causes an irregular heartbeat that can increase your risk for stroke and heart failure. Antiarrhythmic drugs can paradoxically induce dysrhythmias as well, including AF and atrial flutter, by influencing the electrical properties of the atrial myocardium. This is called sinus rhythm.The electric signal in people with AF is random and chaotic which causes the two top chambers of your heart (the left and right atrium) to quiver and twitch. Additional drugs may be prescribed to control heart rate and rhythm in the AFib patient. Learn more about this condition, including causes and symptoms and how it’s treated. The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is usually confirmed with an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that records the heart's electrical activity.Treatment varies depends on the type of AF but may include:

If it’s happening because of a medicine you take, your doctor can make some changes that should help:Your doctor can also tell you which over-the-counter medicines are less likely to cause heart rhythm problems.FDA: “Learning About Side Effects,” “Thyroid Medications: Q & A with Mary Parks, M.D.”Mayo Clinic: “Tachycardia,” “Phenylephrine (Nasal Route),” “Albuterol Side Effects: Can I Avoid Them?”American Lung Association: “Asthma Medicines Chart.”Cleveland Clinic: “Your Heart and the Big 4 Med Types to Avoid,” “Heart Patients: 3 Common Medications You May Need to Avoid,” “Heart Palpitations.”American Academy of Family Physicians: “Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion,” “Types of Antidepressants.”Harvard Medical School: “Skipping a Beat—the Surprise of Heart Palpitations,” “Don’t Let Decongestants Squeeze Your Heart.”WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.


Medications for atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) Medications are often prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots which can lead to a stroke.

Some people are not diagnosed until they have a stroke or mini-stroke.Other people experience symptoms daily or only mild symptoms once in a while.

The heart rhythm can be more difficult to control. The first step is to try to find the cause of the atrial fibrillation. (The medical term for a fast heart rate is tachycardia.).

The exact cause of atrial fibrillation is unknown, but it's more common with age and affects certain groups of people more than others.

Select one or more newsletters to continue. For example, if you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), medicine to treat it may also cure atrial fibrillation. Drugs that can cause atrial fibrillation The People's Pharmacy ... You can learn about other medications that contribute to confusion and memory loss in our Guide to Drugs and Older People.

Having AF increases a person’s risk of having a stroke or developing heart failure.AF is a type of arrhythmia. These medications may also be used in conjunction with other treatments. The clot can block blood and oxygen flow to the brain or other organs.Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes AF; however, they have identified several risk factors that make some people more likely to develop the condition. Several medications can affect the electrical signals in your heart and make your heart beat faster.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) itself is not usually life-threatening but it can lead to serious complications, such as a stroke or new or worsening heart failure.. When your heart is healthy, a steady, electrical signal that originates in the Sino Atrial node in the right upper part of your heart keeps your heart at a regular beat, usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia in the United States. used in the treatment of this condition. Clots can dislodge from the heart and travel to vessels leading to the brain, kidneys, eyes, or peripherally in the arms or legs. Digoxin can cause all sorts of arrhythmias and conduction disturbances ... and central nervous system medications.