What is atrial fibrillation?
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An irregular, often rapid heart rhythm from disorganised atrial electrical activity. It causes palpitations, breathlessness, and fatigue — and importantly raises stroke risk about fivefold, which is why anticoagulation is often prescribed.
Stroke risk depends on your CHA2DS2-VASc score — age, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, vascular disease and sex — not on whether you feel symptoms.
Silent AF carries the same stroke risk as symptomatic AF, which is why anticoagulation decisions are based on risk factors rather than how you feel.
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