Can atrial fibrillation cause a heart attack?

Hello, I'm a healthcare professional with a background in cardiology. I'm here to provide you with information regarding your question about atrial fibrillation and heart attacks. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to various complications. While AFib itself does not directly cause a heart attack, it can increase the risk of one occurring. Here's how: 1. Clot Formation: AFib can cause the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) to quiver instead of beating effectively. This irregular movement can lead to a condition called stasis, where blood pools and may form clots, particularly in the left atrial appendage. 2. Stroke Risk: If a clot forms and then travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. However, clots can also travel to the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself. 3. Coronary Artery Blockage: If a clot blocks one of these arteries, it can deprive the heart muscle of oxygen-rich blood, leading to a heart attack. 4. Underlying Conditions: People with AFib often have other heart-related conditions that can increase the risk of a heart attack, such as coronary artery disease. 5. Heart's Pumping Efficiency: AFib can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, which can exacerbate existing heart conditions and potentially lead to a heart attack. It's important to note that not everyone with AFib will experience a heart attack, but the risk is elevated, and it's crucial to manage AFib and any associated conditions to reduce this risk.

Even though your risk of a heart attack is not increased due to atrial fibrillation, your risk of other serious complications, such as stroke and heart failure, does go up because of this condition. The irregular heart rhythm of atrial fibrillation can cause blood to pool in your atria and form clots.