Atrial fibrillation manifests itself by an uncontrolled electrical activation and thus an ineffective contraction of the atrium, which promotes the formation of blood clots. The heartbeat becomes rapid and irregular.
Atrial fribrillation can be paroxysmal (multiple episodes usually lasting less than 48 hours and spontaneous termination), persistent (sustained arrhythmia beyond 7 days or needing treatment to stop the arrhythmia) and permanent (lasting over a year). Its appearance is favored by certain pre-existing cardiac disorders (infarction, cardiomyopathy, valve pathology...), hormonal disorders (thyroid), obesity and diabetes.