The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary, including palpitations, a sense of irregular heart rate, lightheadedness, dizziness, syncope (passing out), shortness of breath and fatigue.
Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms
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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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HCA Midwest Health answeredSee All 2 AnswersHeart palpitations can be a sign of atrial fibrillation. Heart palpitations are a subjective feeling of abnormal heart rhythm. There are many heart rhythm disorders and atrial fibrillation is one of them.
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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.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 3 AnswersYES! 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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Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answeredSee All 3 AnswersYou could have atrial fibrillation and not even know it. Many people live with atrial fibrillation and don't realize it until they go to their doctor's office and the physician checks their heart with a stethoscope. If you have atrial fibrillation, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:- A rapid heartbeat
- A racing pulse
- A slow pulse
- Fluttering or pounding in your chest (palpitations)
- A heartbeat that feels chaotic or irregular
- A regular pulse
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Fatigue
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Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answeredIf 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.