Can you have a heart attack from atrial fibrillation?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition where the heart's upper chambers, known as the atria, beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers, the ventricles. While AFib itself does not directly cause a heart attack, it can increase the risk of one occurring due to several reasons. Firstly, AFib can lead to a decrease in the heart's efficiency, which means that the heart may not pump blood as effectively as it should. This can result in poor circulation and potentially lead to a heart attack if the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Secondly, the irregular heartbeat can cause blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of blood clots forming. If a clot forms and then travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. However, if a clot travels to the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle, it can block blood flow and result in a heart attack. Lastly, AFib is often associated with other heart conditions and risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, which can also increase the risk of a heart attack. It's important to note that not everyone with AFib will experience a heart attack, but the condition does warrant close monitoring and appropriate treatment to manage the associated risks.

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.