Experiencing frequent palpitations or irregular heartbeat? Learn about atrial fibrillation. Check symptoms and treatment methods now.

An irregular heartbeat, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, may not be as simple as "high stress"—it could be a warning sign of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is one of the most common arrhythmias among urban dwellers and can potentially lead to serious complications such as blood clots and stroke. Not only should middle-aged and elderly individuals take note, but even newborns may experience heart rhythm issues. Some babies are found to have arrhythmias or structural heart problems at birth, though many of these conditions often improve as the child grows. However, there are cases where insurance companies may decline coverage due to such issues. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the types, symptoms, complication risks, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for atrial fibrillation, helping everyone identify risks early and understand prevention and management strategies.

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia characterised by rapid and irregular contraction of the atria, causing the heartbeat to feel as if it is "quivering". This condition affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and may even lead to serious complications such as blood clots and stroke.

Based on the duration of episodes and whether normal heart rhythm can be restored, atrial fibrillation can be classified into three types:

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

• Episodes are short, typically lasting no more than 7 days, with most resolving on their own within 24 hours.
• Common symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness.
• Although brief, episodes may recur and increase the risk of stroke.

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

• Episodes last longer than 7 days and usually require medication or electrical cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm.
• If not treated promptly, it may lead to a gradual decline in heart function.

Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

• The abnormal heart rhythm persists for over a year and is difficult to restore to a normal rhythm.
• Long-term atrial fibrillation may alter the heart's structure, increasing the difficulty of treatment.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation vary from person to person and may sometimes be absent, but common symptoms include:

• Palpitations (abnormally rapid or irregular heartbeat)
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Easily fatigued
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Slurred speech or limb weakness (if a stroke has occurred)

Although atrial fibrillation is one of the common arrhythmias among urban dwellers, if not treated in time, it may lead to the following serious complications:

• Ischaemic stroke (blood clots in the atrium dislodge and block cerebral blood vessels)
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Cognitive decline
• Increased risk of death

Doctors typically use the following methods to determine if a patient has atrial fibrillation:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• 24-hour or longer ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter)
• Cardiac ultrasound
• Blood tests (to screen for potential causes such as hyperthyroidism or high cholesterol)

Note: Since atrial fibrillation may occur intermittently, a single ECG may not detect abnormalities. Multiple follow-ups or the use of wearable heart rhythm monitors may be necessary for diagnosis.

Atrial fibrillation is not easily completely "cured", but with appropriate treatment, heart rhythm can be effectively managed, reducing the risk of complications.

Medication Therapy

• Beta-blockers to control heart rate
• Antiarrhythmic drugs to regulate heart rhythm
• Anticoagulant therapy to prevent blood clot formation and stroke

Cardioversion Therapy

• Restoring normal heart rhythm through medication or electrical shocks
• Suitable for patients with persistent or acute atrial fibrillation

Surgery or Catheter Procedures

In the early stages, patients are generally treated with medication or may attempt to restore normal heart rhythm through medication or electrical cardioversion. If medication proves ineffective, doctors may recommend cardiac catheter ablation. Common treatment methods include radiofrequency ablation, cryoballoon ablation, and pulsed field ablation.

Among these, pulsed field ablation is a relatively new technology. It utilises a high-voltage electric field to create irreversible electroporation in cardiac muscle cells within an extremely short time, precisely targeting and destroying abnormal conduction pathways while minimising damage to surrounding tissues and reducing the risk of complications. The procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours, with a success rate of about 81% and a lower recurrence rate. It is particularly suitable for patients who do not respond well to medication or who exhibit significant symptoms.

Currently, only a few private and public hospitals in Hong Kong offer this technology, with private hospitals such as Canossa Hospital Hong Kong Asia Heart Centre being among the first to introduce it.

To prevent atrial fibrillation, start with lifestyle habits:

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Focus on a diet low in oil, salt, and sugar, and include plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein. This helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, protecting the heart.
2. Manage body weight: Reducing weight can lessen the burden on the heart, preventing high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of atrial fibrillation.
3. Keep emotions stable and reduce stress and anxiety: Long-term emotional tension can trigger irregular heart rhythms. Stress can be alleviated through deep breathing, exercise, or talking to others.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol can damage heart function and increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. It is recommended to quit smoking entirely and restrict alcohol consumption.
5. Engage in regular aerobic exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or tai chi, to improve cardiopulmonary function and stabilise heart rhythm.
6. Avoid misuse of cold or cough medications containing stimulants: Certain ingredients in cold or cough medicines can cause an increased heart rate. Consult a doctor before use and avoid self-medication.

Many people assume that atrial fibrillation is just a minor issue, but in reality, it can be a "hidden killer" with underlying risks. When medication proves ineffective, doctors may recommend cardiac catheter ablation. However, whether performed in public or private hospitals, this treatment is typically self-funded and comes with a significant cost.

Having suitable medical insurance in place beforehand can greatly alleviate the financial burden. The Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) not only provides reimbursement for hospitalisation expenses but also offers tax deduction benefits, ensuring comprehensive health protection and financial planning.

If you wish to find out which VHIS plan best suits your personal needs, feel free to consult with a 10Life licensed insurance advisor in Hong Kong for impartial and professional advice to make a more confident choice in protection.

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Source of Information:
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital. What is Atrial Fibrillation? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
on.cc. New Technology Introduced in Hong Kong for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment, Halving Surgery Time

Last updated: 17 October 2025

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.