Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/
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:
- 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
- Keep your heart healthy and take a proactive role in your healthcare
- Most people with atrial fibrillation need to take medication. This is very important as it can successfully control symptoms and prevent complications such as stroke
Useful booklet from NZ Guidelines Group
Brief video - How to Check Your Pulse
Warfarin pamphlet produced by Waitemata DHB
(Also available in other languages)
Overview
In this section you will find a range of resources to help you find out more about atrial fibrillation.
 | Atrial Fibrillation: What is it? | Best Health - UK | |
 | How your heart works | British Heart Foundation | |
| How Your Heart Works | British Heart Foundation | |
| How to check your Pulse | British Heart Foundation | |
 | Dabigatran - news information sheet June 2011 |  | 4 pages |
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.
| What are the symptoms? | Best Health - UK | |
| What are the Signs & Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation? | CardioSmart - US | |
| Tests & Investigations for Heart Disease | Heart Foundation - NZ | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
Resources to help you take control of your condition and continue to live a normal, active life.
| Know Your Numbers - how old is your heart? | Heart Foundation - NZ | |
| Excellent new website to assess your heart age, risk factors and what you can do about it | |||
| Living with Atrial Fibrillation | CardioSmart - US | |
| Preparing to Visit Your Cardiologist | CardioSmart - US | |
| Healthy living | Heart Foundation - NZ | |
| Heart Healthy Eating | Heart Foundation - NZ | 4 Pages |
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? | Best Health - UK | |
| Warfarin booklets from Waitemata | Waitemata District Health Board | 2 Pages |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Medications used for heart conditions | Heart Foundation - NZ | |
| Dabigatran - various resources from PHARMAC | PHARMAC | |
Clinical Resources
There are a number of guidelines to support the best treatment for people with atrial fibrilation.
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 carers and whanau | Heart Foundation - NZ | |
| A Patient Story | British Heart Foundation | |
Prevention
Lifestyle changes can help to prevent atrial fibrillation.
| Know Your Numbers - how old is your heart? | Heart Foundation - NZ | |
| Excellent new website to assess your heart age, risk factors and what you can do about it | |||
| Understanding Cholesterol - Videos | CardioSmart - US | |
| Are YOU at Risk of Heart Disease? | Heart Foundation - NZ | 2 pages |
Want to Learn More?
More links of interest and information in other languages.
| Multicultural Heart Health Information | Health Translations Directory - Australia | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Learn About Heart Disease: Atrial Fibrillation | CardioSmart - US | |
| NZ Cardiology Services |  | |
| Stroke Foundation of NZ | Stroke Foundation of NZ | |
| Arrythmia |  | |
| How Your Heart Works | British Heart Foundation | |
| Warfarin booklets from Waitemata | Waitemata District Health Board | 2 Pages |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Are YOU at Risk of Heart Disease? | Heart Foundation - NZ | 2 pages |
Date last reviewed