Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms

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• QWhat happens with the heart’s electrical system with atrial fibrillation?

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  A Henrico Doctors' Hospital - HCA Virginia answered

  Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) to contract at a fast and irregular pace—or fibrillate. This can lead to blood pooling in the atria and not passing smoothly to the heart’s two lower chambers (the ventricles). This ultimately leads to a disruption in the heart’s normal electrical harmony.

• QWhat are the symptoms of occasional atrial fibrillation?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  The symptoms of occasional atrial fibrillation can range from no symptoms at all to chest pain and shortness of breath, lowered blood pressure, feelings of lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, and palpitations. Palpitations are usually uncomfortable and feel like your heart is jumping around in your chest. It is important to contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately if you are experiencing chest pain. This is also a symptom of a heart attack. Otherwise, let your doctor know about your symptoms of occasional atrial fibrillation.

• QWhat are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

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  A Dr. Jose Nazari, MD , Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is palpitations caused by an irregular heartbeat. But some people just feel miserable, tired, or short of breath, and they don't quite know why.

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• QAre heart palpitations a sign of atrial fibrillation?

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  A Greenville Health System answered

  If you have atrial fibrillation, you may experience heart palpitations. Heart palpitations are an uncomfortable but common occurrence. Most of the time, heart palpitations are not serious. However, if you have an arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation, you need to see a doctor to get a medical evaluation. With palpitations, you feel like your heart is fluttering, pounding or racing inside your chest. You might think your heart is adding extra beats or even skipping beats. If you have a rapid heart rate (100 beats a minute or higher), it is referred to as tachycardia. If you have a slow heart rate (less than 60 beats a minute), it's called bradycardia. In addition, if you have heart valve problems, low potassium or heart disease, or if you have a high risk for heart disease, call your doctor immediately if you have heart palpitations.

  The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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• QWhat does atrial fibrillation feel like?

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  A Dr. Douglas E. Severance, MD , Family Medicine, answered

  With atrial fibrillation, you may notice an irregular heartbeat, like your heart is skipping a beat or adding extra beats. You may notice that your sleep is affected because of a rapid, irregular heartbeat. You may find it harder to catch your breath. You might experience extreme fatigue, chest pain, or pain in the jaw.
  

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• QCould I have atrial fibrillation without having symptoms?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  YES! You would think it would be hard to miss if your heart suddenly started beating like it was doing an extended jazz drum solo, but you may not be bothered. Atrial fibrillation may not cause noticeable symptoms in everyone. In fact, many patients find out that they have atrial fibrillation during an annual physical exam when a doctor conducts a routine physical or performs an electrocardiogram (ECG).

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• QWhat do I tell my doctor about my symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

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  A Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answered

  If you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation, it's important to know what to tell your doctor at the next visit. Here are some topics to consider:
  
  

  • Explain the symptoms you feel with atrial fibrillation such as palpitations, chest pain, jaw pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness and fatigue.
  • Let your doctor know when you have these symptoms such as all day long, only after exercise, after ingesting coffee or alcohol or when you are under emotional stress.
  • Tell your doctor how the symptoms affect your ability to be active.
  • Let your doctor know if you've had these symptoms before.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of hypertension and if your high blood pressure is controlled with medication.
  • Let your doctor know if you have a family history of atrial fibrillation.
  • Talk openly with your doctor about emotional stress and how you deal with the stress in your life.
  • Let your doctor know if you use illegal drugs as these can trigger atrial fibrillation.