What ia an atrial fibrillation?

it has to do with info about cerebral embolism

Atrial fibrillation is NOT necessarily fatal. The big concern is that the irregularity of the atria (top chambers of the heart, not the bottom) cause blood clots to develop. The clots can then leave the heart to go to the brain, arms, legs, or other vital organs.

Most patients with AFib will need anticoagulation with coumadin/warfarin. Depending on the individual patient, the doctors' aim will be either rate control (slowing of the AFib to a slower rate) or rhythm control (keeping the patient out of AFib).

Most patients can live a normal life, even if in AFib.

It sounds like the patient you're referring to had an embolus go from the heart to the brain, causing a srtoke.

it is when the heart is not beating normally and just fluttering aimlessly. IT IS DEADLY and will kill you in minutes.

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spreads through the heart and causes contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood. In AF, the regular electrical impulses of the sinoatrial node are replaced by disorganized, rapid electrical impulses which result in irregular heart beats.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age 鈥?AF affects four percent of individuals in their 80s. An individual may spontaneously alternate between AF and a normal rhythm (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) or may continue with AF as the dominant cardiac rhythm without reversion to the normal rhythm (chronic atrial fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic, but may result in symptoms of palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or even heart failure. These symptoms are especially common when atrial fibrillation results in a heart rate which is either too fast or too slow. In addition, the erratic motion of the atria leads to blood stagnation (stasis) which increases the risk of blood clots that may travel from the heart to the brain and other areas. Thus, AF is an important risk factor for stroke, the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation.

not sure why you are asking--there are drugs that can restore normal heartbeat--or blood thinners for hearts that get stuck in atrial fib--
to help avoid, cut back coffee, quit decongestants if taking any, walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, lose some weight, take an aspirin everyday if not on thinners,drink a lot of water and kept checking with your doctor if symptoms continue.