Atrial fibrillation is also known as AFib. In normal condition, our heart beats in an electrical rhythm, which makes the heart chambers to beat in a constant order. While you are suffering from Atrial fibrillation, these electrical impulses in the heart do not work properly causing abnormality in heartbeats. Because of this, you will feel a sensation that is very uncomfortable for most of the people. Due to the Atrial fibrillation condition, you will notice an abrupt change in your heartbeats like sometimes you will feel a fast heartbeat and sometimes your heart beats very slowly. Some people feel dizzy and some people don’t show any symptoms.

There are four types of Atrial fibrillation and the symptoms of each type are mostly similar in all the people. But the duration and the treatment will be different and dependent on the type of atrial fibrillation.

• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation:
  This type of atrial fibrillation is also called holiday heart syndrome as it will last for a very small time. Paroxysmal Atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation, which easily curable. This type of atrial fibrillation persists in an individual for a few seconds, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for a few hours, and sometimes for a few days. The symptoms of this type will remain for some time and then it goes away by itself. You don’t need treatment for this type, but it is necessary to consult a doctor. This type of atrial fibrillation occurs because of extreme stress or excessive drinking of alcohol.

• Persistent atrial fibrillation
  Another type of atrial fibrillation is persistent atrial fibrillation, which generally takes more than seven days to recover. This type of Atrial fibrillation doesn’t go away on its own and you will require proper treatment for this. In this case, the doctor will provide you with certain medications that will make your heart rhythm normal. Sometimes, when your condition is not improved by seeking medication, the doctor will give you a light electrical shock for treating this condition. This light electric shock treatment is known as electrical cardioversion. Most of the time, doctors will sedate you to perform this treatment so that you may not feel the pain.

• Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
  When the persistent atrial fibrillation lasts for more than a year without any interruptions, then you can call it as longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation. This type of atrial fibrillation is linked to the structural damage of the heart. The treatment of this type of AFib is very difficult as it is not possible to treat it with medications or electrical shock. For maintaining a normal rhythm of the heart, doctors will provide you with other types of treatment like catheter ablation or pacemaker implantation.

• Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
  When your doctors are unable to treat your longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation, it comes under the category of permanent atrial fibrillation. You have to live with this condition throughout your life.

These are the four types of Atrial fibrillation, which can be treated according to their duration.