in medical terms what is afib
In atrial fibrillation (AFib), the heartâs two small upper chambers (atria) donât beat the way they should. Instead of beating in a normal pattern, the atria beat irregularly and too fast, quivering like a bowl of gelatin. Itâs important for the heart to pump properly so your body gets the oxygen and food it needs. What Is Atrial Fibrillation? Cardiovascular Conditions Your heart has a natural pacemaker, called the âsinus node,â that makes electrical signals. These signals cause the heart to contract and pump blood. With atrial fibrillation, random electrical activity interrupts the normal conduction rhythm. This prevents the atria from properly contracting.