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How to Pronounce Atrial Fibrillation

AY-tree-al fib-rih-LAY-shun

IPA: /ˈeɪ.tri.əl ˌfɪb.rɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

AY tree al fib rih LAY shun

How do you pronounce Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation is pronounced "AY-tree-al fib-rih-LAY-shun". Atrial: 3 syllables (ay-tree-al). Fibrillation: 4 syllables (fib-rih-lay-shun). Clinically often shortened to "A-fib".

How many syllables are in Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial has 3 syllables (ay-tree-al) and Fibrillation has 4 syllables (fib-rih-lay-shun), for a combined 7 syllables.

What does Atrial Fibrillation mean?

Atrial fibrillation means the atria (upper heart chambers) are fibrillating — quivering chaotically rather than beating in an organized rhythm. This causes an irregular pulse and increases stroke risk because blood can pool and clot in the atria.

Etymology & Word Parts

atri- atrium, upper heart chamber Latin atrium, entrance hall

-al relating to Latin suffix

fibrillat- rapid twitching of muscle fibers Latin fibrilla, small fiber

-ion process or state Latin -io

Clinical Usage

AFib is classified as paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent. Rate control uses beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Rhythm control may use cardioversion or antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, flecainide). Anticoagulation with warfarin or DOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban) reduces stroke risk. CHA2DS2-VASc score guides anticoagulation decisions.

Common Mispronunciations

Two words: AY-tree-al (stress on AY) and fib-rih-LAY-shun (stress on LAY). Often abbreviated as "A-fib" in clinical speech.

Where You’ll Encounter This

Cardiology, telemetry floors, ED, ICU, perioperative medicine, anticoagulation clinics.