Lionel Richie hospitalised: Here's all about the atrial fibrillation that hit him

American musician Lionel Richie was hospitalised recently for a heart procedure, and has cancelled a few of his upcoming shows, as per reports. The 77-year-old singer, who has some legendary hits like 'Hello,' 'All Night Long' and 'Say you say me,' underwent the treatment to treat 'atrial fibrillation' or 'AFib,' which causes irregular heartbeat.

Richie's representative said everything went well and now he is alright. Regardless, quite a few of his upcoming shows and tours remain cancelled. Earlier this month too he was hospitalised after experiencing extreme fatigue and struggling on stage during his performance.

What is atrial fibrillation?
AFib or atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia, according to the Mayo Clinic. In people who experience it, the upper chambers of their heart beat rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This can lead to stroke, blood clots and heart failure.

Is it serious?
The Cleveland Clinic says it is a serious condition as AFib can lead to the formation of blood clots in the heart, which can also enter the heart, brain or other organs. It also increases risk for stroke, heart failure, cognitive impairment and silent attack.

What causes AFib?
a) Changes to the heart's tissue
b) Changes to the heart's electrical system
c) Other coronary artery diseases, heart or valve failure
d) High BP, obesity, overweight, chronic kidney issues, valve diseases
e) Changes in the genes of a person
f) Excessive alcohol use
g) Critical illnesses like severe COVID-19 or sepsis
h) Extreme workouts

Symptoms of AFib
The Mayo Clinic says a person's following symptoms can be pointing at AFib:
a) Fainting
b) Fatigue
c) Heart palpitations
d) Chest pain
e) Shortness of breath