Cardiac arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat. It is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and its incidence increases with age.
Although in many cases the cause is unknown, it has been described in association with hypertension, coronary heart disease (congenital heart disease, mitral insufficiency), pulmonary diseases (pneumonia, lung cancer, etc.), hyperthyroidism and excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms may appear either as low heart rate or increased heart rate. Most commonly it manifests with palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain and/or shortness of breath. If the heart rate is very altered it can cause loss of consciousness.
The diagnosis is suspected by interrogation and physical examination and is confirmed by an electrocardiogram. When the arrhythmia occurs intermittently it may be necessary to place a continuous electrocardiogram recording (Holter).
Treatment is based on antiarrhythmic drugs. If it causes severe symptoms it may be necessary to reverse the arrhythmia with a defibrillator electric shock. As it is associated with thrombus formation and embolism, it is recommended to add anticoagulant treatment to avoid complications associated with its presence.
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