Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms

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

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  A Dr. Tseday A. Sirak, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of StoneSprings Hospital Center

  

  In this video, Tseday Sirak, MD, from StoneSprings Hospital Center, explains that atrial fibrillation is a rhythm problem in the heart and the possible symptoms.

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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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• QCan other heart conditions mimic atrial fibrillation?

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

  Other heart conditions and panic attacks can mimic symptoms of atrial fibrillation, including a fast heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. To diagnose atrial fibrillation, your doctor will check your symptoms, take a medical history, ask about family history of heart problems, and do a complete cardiac exam including an electrocardiogram (EKG), which measures the electrical waves your heart makes. He will also look for symptoms such as swollen feet, which may be a sign of heart failure, a common cause of atrial fibrillation. Only after a thorough examination will he diagnose atrial fibrillation.

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• QWhat are the symptoms of occasional atrial fibrillation?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center 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.

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

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

  Just like in medical school, it’s important to understand what happens normally before you start tackling abnormal cases. Your heartbeat begins when a group of cells in the upper right chamber or atrium, called the sinus node, fire up electrical signals. These signals spread through the cells of your heart like a wildfire until they reach the bottom chambers (ventricles) and cause the heart muscle to contract, which pumps blood to your lungs and the rest of your body. Normally (unless you are as athletic as Lance Armstrong or Usain Bolt), your heart cranks up a fresh set of electrical signals to produce a new heartbeat 60 to 100 times a minute.

  However, during atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals that produce heartbeats don’t start in the sinus node. Instead, they come from another part of the heart or from neighboring pulmonary veins. And instead of traveling in an orderly way from top to bottom, the electrical impulses rev up and scatter like insects when you lift up a log. As a result, instead of the usual, healthy pitter-patter, your heart starts sputtering rapidly and may beat up to 175 times a minute. That often results in less blood flow being pumped from your heart to the rest of your body.

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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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• QShould I talk to my doctor about my atrial fibrillation symptoms?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  Yes, you should talk to your doctor about your atrial fibrillation symptoms. Untreated atrial fibrillation can have serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure. If your symptoms are severe, such as chest pain or trouble breathing, you should go to an emergency room rather than wait for an appointment.

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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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• QShould I tell my doctor about my occasional atrial fibrillation symptoms?

  5 Answers

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

  YES!! If you have heart palpitations, chest pain, or other unexplained symptoms, even if they’re infrequent, tell your doctor.

  The sooner you figure out what’s going on, the better. You could save yourself a whole world of trouble.

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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.