1. Atrial Fibrillation Hannah Morgan Lance Killian October 12, 2010 HS2

2. What Happens? • the heart's two small upper chambers (the atria) quiver instead of beating effectively. Blood isn't pumped completely out of them, so it may pool and clot. If a piece of a blood clot in the atria leaves the heart and becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, a stroke results.

3. What are the Signs And Symptoms? • A fluttering feeling in the chest • Chest pain or pressure • Feeling out of breath • Feeling weak or tired • Dizziness and sweating • Feeling faint or lightheaded

4. Who gets it? • Men are more likely to get atrial fibrillation than women. It's more common if you're older.

5. Are there ways to prevent it? • A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, treatment for high blood pressure, and other measures can prevent atrial fibrillation by protecting you from heart disease. • Manage your stress • exercise regularly • control your blood pressure • and do not smoke.

6. How is it Diagnosed? • Some people who have atrial fibrillation (AF) don't have symptoms. For these people, AF often is found during a physical exam or EKG (•Modifications to your diet and lifestyle, such as eliminating things that can cause or worsen health problems. ) test done for another purpose. Other times, AF is diagnosed after a person goes to the doctor because of symptoms.

7. How is it treated? • General treatment options include medicines, medical procedures, and lifestyle changes. • These medicines include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and aspirin.

8. What is the Prognosis? • The prognosis, or expectation, for people with atrial fibrillation depends on many factors, such as: • Overall health and whether other heart problems are present • Age • Type of atrial fibrillation • Symptoms • Response to treatment.

9. Work Citied • www.multaq.com • www.americanheart.org • http://www.health.com • http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov • http://heart.emedtv.com