Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, that is not considered to be heart failure. AF occurs when the electrical signals that control the heart rate become disorganized, causing the heart to beat irregularly and sometimes rapidly. AF can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath, but it is not a form of heart failure.
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and feet. Heart failure is caused by a variety of factors, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
Although AF is not a form of heart failure, it can be a sign of underlying heart disease that can lead to heart failure. People with AF are at an increased risk of developing heart failure because the heart is not pumping efficiently. AF can also cause the heart to become weaker over time, making the patient more susceptible to heart failure. Therefore, it is important for people with AF to seek medical attention right away and follow a treatment plan to reduce the risk of developing heart failure.