Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. The terms “controlled AFib” and “uncontrolled AFib” describe whether treatment strategies are effectively managing a person’s irregular heart rate.
Controlled AFib is when doctors have slowed a person with AFib’s heart rate to within a target range and the person has routine clinical follow-ups and management. A controlled heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest.
Uncontrolled AFib is when a person is not receiving treatment for the condition, meaning the irregular heart rate is fast and persistent. Without treatment, AFib can lead to complications, so it is important to seek a medical opinion if a person thinks they might have AFib.
The terms “controlled” and “uncontrolled” in reference to AFib describe whether treatment strategies are managing the condition effectively, rather than the occurrence of AFib itself.
In controlled AFib, the person’s heart rate is within the target range, symptoms are milder, and the risk of complications is lower.
With uncontrolled AFib, the heart rate is often between
This high rate can cause stress on the heart and lead to pronounced symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, and extreme fatigue, which may interfere with daily life. Uncontrolled AFib also
Additionally, uncontrolled AFib
Controlling AFib
Doctors can help people manage AFib using the following methods:
- Heart rate control: Doctors may prescribe medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin, to keep the person’s heart rate within the normal range, typically between
60 and 100Trusted Source bpm at rest. - Rhythm control: Procedures called catheter ablation and electrical cardioversion can help control the heart’s rhythm. Doctors may also prescribe rhythm-controlling medications such as amiodarone, sotalol, or dofetilide.
- Risk management: While AFib is present, doctors try to minimize the risk of complications such as a stroke through treatment, which often includes anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots.
- Risk factor control: Doctors can monitor and help people
manageTrusted Source AFib risk factors to reduce atrial fibrillation episodes. Risk factors include:
People with controlled AFib have a good outlook.
Uncontrolled AFib has a much higher risk of complications, including stroke, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and a diminished quality of life.
A person with uncontrolled AFib needs urgent management to avoid long-term heart damage and improve overall outcomes.
Controlling AFib as early as possible improves both life expectancy and quality of life.
A person should contact a doctor about AFib if they experience any of the following:
- new or sudden onset of symptoms, such as:
- an irregular or rapid heartbeat
- heart palpitations
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- chest pain or pressure
- worsening AFib symptoms
- any unexplained health changes, such as weight gain or swelling
- any signs of a heart attack or stroke
Is it a heart attack?
Heart attacks occur when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart. Symptoms include:
- chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- pain that may spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back
- nausea and vomiting
- sweaty or clammy skin
- heartburn or indigestion
- shortness of breath
- coughing or wheezing
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack
If someone has these symptoms:
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
If a person stops breathing before emergency services arrive, perform manual chest compressions:
- Lock fingers together and place the base of hands in the center of the chest.
- Position shoulders over hands and lock elbows.
- Press hard and fast, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, to a depth of 2 inches.
- Continue these movements until the person starts to breathe or move.
- If needed, swap over with someone else without pausing compressions.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) available in many public places:
- An AED provides a shock that may restart the heart.
- Follow the instructions on the defibrillator or listen to the guided instructions.
Symptoms of a stroke
AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke, so it is critical to recognize the signs:
- Sudden weakness or numbness: Especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
- Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking: Trouble understanding speech or slurred speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing: Blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking: Loss of balance, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
- Severe headache: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
All people with AFib should speak with a doctor regarding anticoagulant medications, which decrease the risk of stroke.
What heart rate is controlled in AFib?
In atrial fibrillation (AFib), a “controlled heart rate” is when doctors keep the ventricular heart rate within a safe range, which should be
The ventricular heart rate refers to the rate at which the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) contract and pump blood out of the heart. It represents the actual heart rate a person can feel as the pulse.
The goal of AFib treatment is often to manage the ventricular heart rate using medications, heart rate monitoring, and regular check-ups.
Is controlled AFib life threatening?
Controlled AFib is generally not life threatening. With controlled AFib, the person and their healthcare team work together to manage their heart rate and stroke risks.
However, controlled AFib still requires ongoing monitoring and treatment to prevent complications.
How do you control AFib?
To control AFib, a person should have regular visits with a doctor and follow their recommendations, such as taking the right medication as prescribed.
It is also best to consult a doctor before using any new medications or supplements or if a person experiences new or worsening symptoms or side effects.
People can help manage AFib through lifestyle modifications. These
Cardiovascular health resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on cardiovascular health.
Controlled AFib is when the heart rate remains within a target range, typically between 60 and 100 bpm at rest, and symptoms are mild, reducing the risk of complications.
Uncontrolled AFib occurs when the heart rate is consistently elevated above 100 bpm and symptoms are severe, increasing the risk of complications such as stroke or heart failure.
Proper management and treatment are essential in converting uncontrolled AFib to controlled AFib.
