1. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia where abnormal electrical signals in the atria cause an irregular heartbeat.
2. AF increases the risk of stroke by 5 times and is associated with increased mortality, hospitalization, and reduced quality of life.
3. Management involves rate or rhythm control as well as anticoagulation to prevent stroke, with treatment tailored based on the pattern and burden of AF and individual patient factors.