Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a very common heart condition where the atria of the heart beat in an irregular and rapid manner, causing the heartbeat to become irregular and fast. There are two types of AFib: chronic and permanent.
Chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) is a type of AFib that comes and goes over time, and is often caused by an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, thyroid problems, or sleep apnea. It usually requires medications to control the symptoms, but can sometimes be cured with surgery or other treatments.
Permanent atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a type of AFib that is more persistent and does not go away. It is usually caused by an underlying structural problem in the heart, such as a heart defect, a tumor, or an enlarged heart. It is usually treated with medications, but can sometimes be cured with surgery.
The main difference between chronic and permanent atrial fibrillation is that chronic AFib is usually caused by an underlying medical condition and can be treated with medications, while permanent AFib is usually caused by an underlying structural problem in the heart and must usually be treated with surgery. In addition, chronic AFib can come and go over time, while permanent AFib is persistent and does not go away.