A normal heartbeat sounds and feels a certain way.
A normal heartbeat has a regular rhythm. Doctors sometimes refer to it as a repeated "lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub." The speed,
or
rate, of the heartbeats can change, but the rhythm—the constant "lub-dub" sound—should
always be the same. When the heart beats like this, it is said to be in
normal sinus rhythm.
How is the heart supposed to work?
Play the animated Show Me More to find out. Make sure your sound is turned on.
When you have AFib, the heart beats out of rhythm.
AFib is the most common type of
arrhythmia
or abnormal heartbeat. The beat of the heart is controlled by an electrical
impulse that starts in the right
atrium. For someone with AFib, that signal becomes confused and the atrium quivers rapidly
and unevenly—changing the constant rhythm of the heart.
When you have AFib, you always have the disease—it doesn't go away. But that doesn't
mean your heart is always out of normal sinus rhythm. When your heart does go out
of rhythm, you are having what's called an
AFib episode or a
recurrence
of AFib. Keep in mind, you may or may not feel symptoms with every episode.
What's the difference between a normal heartbeat and an AFib heartbeat?
Play the animated Show Me More to find out. Make sure your sound is turned on.
There are 3 types of AFib.
1.
Paroxysmal AFib – The heart is in and out of normal sinus rhythm.
Episodes come and go on their own, and last no longer than 1 week.
2.
Persistent AFib – Episodes last longer than 1 week and do not
go away on their own. Medical treatment is necessary to restore normal sinus rhythm.
3.
Permanent AFib– A person's irregular heartbeat does not return
to normal sinus rhythm, even with medical treatment. MULTAQ is not approved for
people with permanent AFib. See the boxed text at right to learn more.
In addition to changing the constant rhythm of the heart, AFib can affect a person's
health in other ways.
How AFib can affect your health:
AFib is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization. Whether
you feel it or not, AFib can have serious consequences. Recent information shows
that AFib can put you at risk for going to the hospital for heart problems.
The longer your heart is out of normal sinus rhythm, the more likely you are
to remain out of rhythm. It also becomes more difficult for your doctor
to restore normal sinus rhythm.
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*MULTAQ isn't right for all people with AFib.
See the boxed text at right to learn more.
Important Safety Information
Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure
or if you have been in the hospital recently for heart failure, even if you are
better now. People with severe heart failure who take MULTAQ have an increased chance
of dying.
Call your doctor immediately if you're taking MULTAQ and feel symptoms of worsening
heart failure. These may include weight gain, leg swelling, and increasing shortness
of breath while resting.
You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems.
You should not take MULTAQ if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become
pregnant as it is not known if it may pass to or harm your baby.
Your potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to and while taking
MULTAQ. Tell your doctor about any diuretic medications you are taking as some can
lower the level of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Your doctor may perform certain tests, such as heart exams and blood tests, while
you're taking MULTAQ.
MULTAQ can interact with certain medications and herbal supplements. Do not use
the following medications with MULTAQ:
- Nefazodone
- Voriconazole
- Ritonavir
- Telithromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Clarithromycin
- Itraconazole
- Cyclosporine
The following medicines can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm if taken with
MULTAQ:
- Phenothiazines
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Certain medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat
- Certain antibiotics
Please read the accompanying Medication Guide and tell your doctor about all medications
you take to help avoid serious drug interactions. Do not drink grapefruit juice
while taking MULTAQ.
The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain,
skin rash, and slowed heartbeat.
Full Prescribing Information Including Boxed Warning
MULTAQ Medication Guide (English)
Guía del Medicamento de MULTAQ (Español)
Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health.
Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
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