Atrial fibrillation isn't usually life-threatening or considered serious in people who are otherwise healthy. However, atrial fibrillation can be dangerous if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other diseases of the heart. Either way, this condition needs to be properly diagnosed and managed by a specialist.

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, or atria, fibrillate. This means that they beat very rapidly and irregularly. Blood is not pumped efficiently to the rest of the body which may cause you to feel weak or tired, or to experience uncomfortable heart sensations like a racing or irregular heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, is usually caused by abnormalities or changes to your heart's structure. Your risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age. Atrial fibrillation may sometimes be inherited.