In atrial fibrillation, erratic electrical impulses in the upper
chambers of the heart (atria) cause those chambers to fibrillate, or quiver. This results in an irregular and frequently rapid heart rate. The irregular
pattern in the electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) tracing shows these erratic
impulses.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
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Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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John M. Miller, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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Last Revised
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December 14, 2012 |
Last Revised:
December 14, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & John M. Miller, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology