In order for the heart to beat, it receives electrical stimulation or signals that start in the atria or upper chambers of the heart and then travel down to the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart. Atrial fibrillation is defined as chaotic or abnormal electrical signals or pathways in the atria, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. The irregular heartbeat does not allow the atria to contract or squeeze normally. The atria quiver, decreasing the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation affects about 2.4 million Americans, most of them over age 60. This condition is responsible for 15-20 percent of all strokes because of blood clot formation within the quivering atria.

< Blood clot removal from the atria to reduce stroke risk .
Please note: this video may be graphic in nature.

Atrial fibrillation is a common, potentially harmful arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) associated with mitral valve disease. In patients with mitral valve disease there is a tendency for the left atrium to become enlarged and potentially disrupt the normal electrical conduction of the heart. Rheumatic heart disease (which can lead to heart valve disorders) is now less common in developed countries. It is, however, also associated with a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation.

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For more information regarding surgery for atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at 1-866-662-8467 or request a first time appointment online.