afib explained

Afib Explained About 2.7 million Americans have afib, a type of heart disease.    Atrial fibrillation is a common form of heart disease, and the most common cause of irregular heart rhythms that start in the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria.

The term fibrillation refers to a fluttering, disorganized type of heartbeat, also known as heart flutter.

"Atrial fibrillation tops the list of abnormalities that can occur in the heart's normal rhythm," says Douglas C. Westveer, MD, chief of cardiovascular disease at Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Mich.

According to the American Heart Association, about 2.7 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, or afib.

"Even more alarming, the incidence of atrial fibrillation is increasing and may reach epidemic proportions as more baby boomers enter older age groups," notes Dr. Westveer.

Understanding Afib

Your heart has four chambers inside of it: a …