Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurs when a rapid, erratic heart rate begins suddenly and then stops on its own within 7 days. It is also known as intermittent A-fib and often lasts for less than 24 hours . The American Heart Association (AHA) estimate that 2.7 million American people live with some form of A-fib.
Read moreHow serious is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
In the most serious cases, paroxysmal A-fib can lead to heart failure or a stroke . According to the AHA, people who have A-fib are five times more likely to have a stroke than other people. This is because A-fib affects blood flow around the body. Blood can become static and can clot in the upper chamber of the heart.
Read more