Atrial Fibrillation Heart Rate Calculator
Understanding Heart Rate in Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). In AFib, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat chaotically and out of rhythm with the lower chambers (the ventricles). This can lead to a rapid and irregular pulse.
While AFib itself is characterized by an irregular rhythm, it's often important to estimate the average heart rate. This can be done by measuring the average interval between successive heartbeats (RR intervals) on an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a wearable heart rate monitor.
The heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. If we know the average time between each heartbeat (the RR interval), we can calculate the heart rate. The formula used is:
Heart Rate (beats per minute) = 60 / Average RR Interval (seconds)
A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. In AFib, the ventricular rate can vary significantly. A ventricular rate above 100 bpm is considered rapid (tachycardia), and a rate below 60 bpm is considered slow (bradycardia). Both rapid and slow ventricular responses in AFib can have implications for symptoms and management. This calculator provides a simple way to estimate this average rate from the RR interval.
Example:
If the average RR interval measured on an ECG is 0.80 seconds, the calculated heart rate would be:
Heart Rate = 60 / 0.80 = 75 beats per minute.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.