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Help for your irregular heartbeat

	The treatment you get for atrial fibrillation will depend on how long you have had it, how much it affects you, and what other illnesses you have. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which medication rates best for preventing atrial fibrillation.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most uptodate expert research and evidence about treating atrial fibrillation. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points for people with atrial fibrillation

• When you have atrial fibrillation, your heart is pumping blood quickly and in an irregular way.
• Acute atrial fibrillation can last for less than 2 days or it can come and go.
• Chronic atrial fibrillation may last for a long time.
• Risks for atrial fibrillation include getting older, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
• If your heart is beating too fast, you may need to take medication to slow it down.
• You may also need to take medication to prevent getting blood clots that might lead to a stroke.

If you have atrial fibrillation, your pulse sitting still will probably be more than 140 beats a minute. Normally, it would be 60 to 80 beats a minute. Other symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain, feeling breathless, and feeling dizzy. However, these symptoms may also be related to other illnesses. Your doctor will diagnose your condition based on an examination and possible tests.

Our concise condition report and treatment ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for atrial fibrillation is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.