Which heart condition is characterized by an irregular heartbeat?

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that is specifically characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals in the heart become disorganized, leading to an irregular contraction of the atria. This results in an uncoordinated rhythm where the heart beats chaotically rather than in a steady pattern.

The irregular heartbeat can be detected through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which shows the absence of normal rhythmicity and the presence of erratic signals. People with atrial fibrillation may experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue, but some may be asymptomatic.

Other conditions mentioned, such as coronary artery disease, primarily involve narrowing of the heart arteries and may not directly lead to an irregular heartbeat in the same way atrial fibrillation does. Heart block involves a delay or complete block of electrical signals in the heart's conduction system but doesn’t necessarily result in the chaotic rhythms seen in atrial fibrillation. Heart murmurs refer to abnormal sounds during the heartbeat caused by turbulent blood flow, which is distinct from the irregular rhythm of atrial fibrillation.