Relationship between atrial fibrillation pulse rate and heart rate

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular fibrillation of the atrial muscles, which causes poor blood flow and affects the normal functioning of the heart. Normally, pulse rate and heart rate are equal. However, in patients with atrial fibrillation, pulse rate and heart rate may be inconsistent due to the small amount of blood ejected from the ventricles, causing pulse rate to be lower than heart rate.

Heart rate and pulse rate can be controlled by medication or cardiac surgery to reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.