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The heart consists of 4 chambers. The upper chambers are the right and left atrium, the lower chambers are the right and left ventricle.
The atria collect blood returning to the heart via the veins and fill the ventricles of the heart.
The heart rhythm starts in the sinus node, a group of specialised cells generating electrical activity.
The electrical wave spreads from the sinus node across the atria towards the heart’s main relay station the “atrio-ventricular node”. From this node the wave spreads towards the ventricles and the heart contracts to pump blood into the body.
The pulmonary veins are vessels transporting blood from the lungs towards the left atrium. Most patients have 4 veins and the junction of these veins with the left atrium may have abnormal electrical properties causing atrial fibrillation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a normal heart rhythm?
A normal heart rhythm, called sinus rhythm, starts in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart’s natural pacemaker, and beats at 60-100 beats per minute at rest.
What does the normal anatomy of the heart look like?
The heart has four chambers: two atria on top and two ventricles below. It pumps blood through the body via coordinated contractions regulated by electrical impulses.
How does the normal heart rhythm work?
Electrical signals originate in the SA node, travel to the atrioventricular (AV) node, and spread through the ventricles, ensuring synchronized contractions and efficient blood flow.
Can AFib disrupt normal heart rhythm?
Yes, AFib causes rapid, irregular electrical signals in the atria, leading to an uncoordinated and inefficient heart rhythm.
What is considered a normal heart rate?
A normal resting heart rate is typically 60-100 beats per minute, though this can vary based on age, fitness level, and individual health.
How is normal heart rhythm restored during AFib?
Normal rhythm can be restored through cardioversion, medications, or procedures like catheter ablation, depending on the severity and frequency of AFib episodes.
