Quiz - Feeling The Beat

When the electrical signals that tell your heart to contract are sent in an irregular or fast rhythm, this is known as atrial fibrillation. Misconceptions exist about who is at risk and what is involved in long-term treatment (see Out of Rhythm), but are you aware of the basic facts about this very common condition? Take our quiz to find out: 
 
1. All of the following are symptoms of atrial fibrillation except:

A. Pulse that feels rapid, racing, pounding, fluttering, irregular, or too slow
B. Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
C. Heartburn
D. Dizziness, light-headedness
E. Confusion
 
2. Lifestyle has no real effect on managing atrial fibrillation.
 
A. True
B. False
 
3. A common cause of atrial fibrillation is:
 
A. Alcohol use (especially binge drinking)
B. Coronary artery disease
C. Heart attack or heart bypass surgery
D. Hypertension
E. All of the above.
 
4. A test that records the electrical activity of the heart is the ___.
 
A. EEG
B. MRI
C. CT-scan
D. ECG
E. EMG
  
5. Atrial fibrillation can stop or start on its own, and can cause symptoms to begin or end suddenly.
 
A. True
B. False

Answers:

1. C. Heartburn. Along with the other answers listed above, symptoms of atrial fibrillation can include shortness of breath, fatigue, and even fainting.

2. B. False. Besides taking medication, people with atrial fibrillation should limit alcohol intake, quit smoking, avoid salty and fatty foods, and try to avoid stressful situations.

3. E. All of the above. Other common causes are certain medications, an overactive thyroid gland, an enlarged heart, and heart valve disease.

4. D. ECG, which stands for electrocardiogram. It is also sometimes called an EKG. This painless test also measures the size and position of the heart chambers and is used to detect any damage to the heart.

5. A. True. Some people may even be asymptomatic and unaware that their heart is beating in an abnormal pattern. 

Source: The Health Library. Visit us to learn more about atrial fibrillation or other conditions affecting your body and your health.