The symptoms of atrial fibrillation vary greatly from person to person. While some people notice no symptoms, others experience noticeable symptoms that affect their daily lives.
Main Symptoms
The most common atrial fibrillation symptom is heart palpitations. You feel your heart beating rapidly, irregularly, or in a fluttering way. This feeling can be an uncomfortable vibration or strong beat in your chest. Sometimes you may feel as if your heart is about to jump out of your chest.
Fatigue is another common symptom of AFib. You feel exhausted in an unusual and unexplained way. Even doing your normal activities can feel tiring. This fatigue results from the heart working inefficiently. Your body may not receive enough blood due to irregular beats.
Shortness of breath can be particularly noticeable during exercise or climbing stairs. Some people, however, may have difficulty breathing even while resting. This results from the heart being unable to pump blood effectively.
Chest discomfort is usually in the form of a feeling of tightness, pressure, or pain. This feeling can range from mild to severe. Although chest pain does not always mean a heart attack, it is a symptom that should be taken seriously.
You may experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Some people feel as if they are about to faint. This results from insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Other Symptoms
You may experience general weakness and lack of energy. Everything may seem harder than usual and you may not be able to return to your previous activity level.
There may be a noticeable decrease in exercise capacity. Activities you used to do easily now tire you out. This can be particularly frustrating for active people.
Some people may experience fainting episodes. Loss of consciousness is rare but is a serious condition and requires immediate medical evaluation.
In elderly people, confusion may occur. This is a result of insufficient oxygen reaching the brain.
Onset of Symptoms
Symptoms can appear in different ways and this depends on your AFib type.
In paroxysmal AFib, symptoms start suddenly and usually disappear on their own. An AFib attack can last a few minutes or several hours. Between attacks you feel completely normal.
In persistent or permanent AFib, symptoms may be constant. You may experience irregular heartbeat and other symptoms every day. Over time you may get used to this condition and symptoms may become less bothersome.
In some people there are no symptoms at all. AFib is discovered completely by chance, during a routine check-up or during tests for another ailment. Even without symptoms, AFib has a risk of complications, so treatment is still necessary.
Trigger Factors
Some situations can trigger AFib attacks or worsen existing symptoms.
Alcohol consumption, especially when excessive, can trigger an AFib attack. Some people feel heart palpitations even after a single drink.
Caffeine can be a trigger in some people. You may notice your symptoms increase after coffee, tea, or energy drinks.
Stress and anxiety can trigger AFib attacks. Your symptoms may appear more frequently during emotionally difficult periods.
Intense exercise triggers AFib in some people. Long-duration endurance sports can be particularly risky.
Lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. When you do not sleep well, you are more likely to have an AFib attack.
Being sick or having an infection can temporarily trigger AFib. Illnesses such as flu and pneumonia can affect heart rhythm.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing heart palpitations for the first time, feel an irregular heartbeat, or notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, see your doctor.
If you already have an AFib diagnosis and your symptoms are worsening or new symptoms are appearing, you need to see your doctor again. Treatment adjustment may be needed.
If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, for example you cannot do your work or continue your normal activities, evaluation must definitely be done.
Emergency Situations
Some symptoms require emergency medical intervention. If you are experiencing chest pain, call emergency services immediately or go to the emergency room. Chest pain may be a sign of a heart attack.
If you have severe shortness of breath, especially if you cannot breathe even while resting, emergency help is needed.
If you faint or lose consciousness, you should go to the emergency room. This may indicate that the heart rhythm is dangerously irregular.
Sudden severe dizziness, especially if accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, is an emergency.
Symptom Diary
Recording your symptoms can be helpful. Note details such as when they started, how long they lasted, what you were doing, how you felt. Also add information such as whether you had consumed alcohol or caffeine, were you stressed, did you sleep well.
This information helps your doctor better understand your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment. Recognizing your triggers allows you to avoid them and may reduce the frequency of attacks.