Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

What is Atrial Fibrillation or AFib?

A normal heart beat is steady and regular like the ticking of a clock, between 60 and 90 beats a minute.

The heart has 2 upper and 2 lower chambers that beat in coordination. Atrial Fibrillation is when the upper chambers beat, or quiver, up to 500 times a second and the lower chamber beat erratically and often very quickly.

How to detect AFib?

Accurate diagnosis of AFib requires an electrocardiogram (EKG) in a doctors office. This records the electrical impulses that travel through the heart causing it to beat in an organized manner. It is non-invasive and takes about 10 minutes.

The automated blood pressure monitor used in the Barbershop also detects irregular heart rhythms, but not with the accuracy of an EKG.

Another way to know if you have an irregular rhythm is to take your pulse. Watch this video to learn how to take your pulse.