“Can atrial fibrillation lead to heart failure?”

Question

Internal Medicine | Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Questions Atrial Fibrillation

“Can atrial fibrillation lead to heart failure?”

I'm only 50, and I have issues with my heart rate right now. My doctor told me that it's atrial fibrillation, and wants me to manage it and monitor it. If atrial fibrillation isn't monitored, can it lead to heart failure?

3 Answers

Does congestive heart failure cause cardiac arrest?

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**Saad El Gaoud** Cardiologist Verdun, Quebec · Accepted Answer

Saad El Gaoud Cardiologist Verdun, Quebec

Yes; it can Induce heart failure in the long term process.

**Nassir A. Azimi** Cardiologist La Mesa, CA · Accepted Answer

Nassir A. Azimi Cardiologist La Mesa, CA

If heart rate is not controlled Afib can lead to heart failure and heart failure to Afib. However, typically, heart failure patients are more likely to get Afib with atrial stretch and stiffness. Afib patients whose heart rate is controlled are not necessarily going to skip to CHF.

**Emad F. Aziz** Cardiac Electrophysiologist Newark, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Emad F. Aziz Cardiac Electrophysiologist Newark, New Jersey

Atrial fibrillation is a progressive disease, that can lead to many symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, sleepiness, stroke and could lead to heart failure. Please review this brief video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXpED4UUu4s