Birmingham, AL – The vast majority of the general public has never heard of atrial fibrillation (Afib). About 30% of people with Afib have no symptoms and often the first sign of the disease is a stroke.

According to the Heart Rhythm Society, atrial fibrillation affects roughly 5 million Americans. It is characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat caused when the top chambers of the heart quiver erratically sometimes faster than 200 times per minute.

It can depreciate quality of life causing heart palpitations, chronic fatigue and debilitating pain. Afib can also increase the risk of stroke by five times and is estimated to be responsible for 88,000 deaths.

For more information visit www.StopAfib.org