However, if AF occurs over a length of time, it can lead to stroke or heart muscle damage.
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia.
An arrhythmia is any kind of abnormal heart rhythm, or heartbeat. A general understanding of how the normal heart works helps explain atrial fibrillation and how it might be treated. The heart is a hard-working muscle about the size of a clenched fist. It is located under your ribcage between the lungs. The heart pumps a constant supply of blood throughout your body.