Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF for short) is a condition that affects the heart, causing an irregular heart beat. It occurs when the electrical impulses controlling the heart rhythm become disorganised, so that the heart beats irregularly and too fast. When this happens, the heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it needs to.
This page contains a range of links and resources including information about symptoms, self-help measures and treatment. Some of the information in this webpage on treatment for AF also applies to atrial flutter. (www.nice.org.uk)
Key Points:
1. Atrial fibrillation can lead to an increased risk of stroke or even heart attack. Learn about the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation so you can seek help early.
2. Keep your heart healthy and take a proactive role in your healthcare.
3. Depending on the severity of your atrial fibrillation you may need medication. Taking medication is very important as it can successfully control symptoms and prevent complications such as stroke.
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Warfarin pamphlet produced by Waitemata DHB |
Overview
In this section you will find a range of resources to help you find out more about atrial fibrillation.
 | Atrial Fibrillation: Information for you, & your family, whanau & friends |  | 20 Pages |
 | Learn About Heart Disease: Atrial Fibrillation | CardioSmart - US | |
| Atrial Fibrillation: What will happen? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
| What is Atrial Fibrillation? | National Heart Lung & Blood Institute - US | |
| How Your Heart Works | British Heart Foundation | |
| Atrial Fibrillation Consumer Guide | National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence - UK | 16 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
| How to check your Pulse | British Heart Foundation | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
Find out more about the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, and some of the tests and procedures doctors may use to diagnose it.
| Diagnosing Arrhythmias | American Heart Association | |
| Atrial Fibrillation: What are the symptoms? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
| Am I at Risk of an Arrhythmia? | American Heart Association | |
| What are the Signs & Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation? | CardioSmart - US | |
| Tests for Heart Disease | National Heart Foundation | |
| Causes & Symptoms of Arrhythmias | American Heart Association | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
Resources to help you take control of your condition and continue to live a normal, active life.
| A Patient's Guide to Living with Atrial Fibrillation | Circulation - Journal of the American Heart Association | 5 Pages |
| Living with Atrial Fibrillation | CardioSmart - US | |
| Preparing to Visit Your Cardiologist | CardioSmart - US | |
| Keeping Your Heart Healthy | British Heart Foundation | |
| The MUST DO List of How to Take Care of YOUR Heart | National Heart Foundation | |
Treatments & Medication
Treatment for atrial fibrillation includes medicines to reduce the risk of stroke (warfarin) to slow the heart beat, and procedures to help the heart beat more effectively.
| Atrial Fibrillation: What treatments work? | BMJ BestTreatments | |
| Atrial Fibrillation & Warfarin | Patient UK | |
| Warfarin and vitamin K | NZFSA | |
| Cardioversion | National Heart Foundation | |
| Catheter Ablation Therapy | National Heart Foundation | |
| Pacemakers | National Heart Foundation | |
| Heart Health Medications | National Heart Foundation | |
| How is Atrial Fibrillation Treated? | CardioSmart - US | |
| Cochrane Reviews | Cochrane Library | |
Clinical Resources
There are a number of guidelines to support the best treatment for people with atrial fibrilation.
| Full Guideline - The Management of People with Atrial Fibrillation & Flutter, May 2005 | | 214 Pages |
| Detailed | |||
| Summary Guideline - The Management of People with Atrial Fibrillation & Flutter, May 2005 | | 20 Pages |
| Atrial Fibrillation & Flutter in Primary Care, Dec 2006 |  | 10 Pages |
| HeartHub for Professionals | American Heart Association | |
| Patient brochures & interactive tools | |||
Support
Atrial fibrillation is a common condition. In this section you will find stories about other peoples' experiences.
 | Patient Story: Atrial Fibrillation - Video | CardioSmart - US | |
| 4min 2sec | |||
| Information for Caregivers | HeartHub - US | |
| Cardiac Support Groups | National Heart Foundation | |
| A Patient Story | British Heart Foundation | |
| Atrial Fibrillation Personal Stories | NHS Choices | |
Prevention
Lifestyle changes can help to prevent atrial fibrillation.
| Know Your Numbers - how old is your heart? | National Heart Foundation | |
| Excellent new website to assess your heart age, risk factors and what you can do about it | |||
| How Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Prevented? | CardioSmart - US | |
| Understanding Cholesterol - Videos | CardioSmart - US | |
| The MUST DO List of How to Take Care of YOUR Heart | National Heart Foundation | |
| Keeping Your Heart Healthy | British Heart Foundation | |
| Are YOU at Risk of Heart Disease? | National Heart Foundation | |
Want to Learn More?
More links of interest and information in other languages.
| Multicultural Heart Health Information | Health Translations Directory - Australia | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Warfarin booklet from Waitemata | Waitemata District Health Board | 2 Pages |
| English | |||
| Warfarin booklets from Waitemata | Waitemata District Health Board | 2 Pages |
| Samoan | |||
| The Meaning of Medical Words | National Heart Foundation | |
| Links - Heart Health-Related Websites | National Heart Foundation | |
| NZ Cardiology Services |  | |
| Stroke Foundation of NZ | Stroke Foundation of NZ | |
| HeartHub for Patients | American Heart Association | |
| Information, tools & resources | |||
| Arrythmia |  | |
| How Your Heart Works | British Heart Foundation | |
| Atrial Fibrillation: Information for you, & your family, whanau & friends | | 20 Pages |
| Booklet - Atrial fibrillation | British Heart Foundation | 44 Pages |
| Atrial Fibrillation Consumer Guide | National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence - UK | 16 Pages |
| Detailed | |||