Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Symptoms and Explanation

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, which means an irregular or rapid heart rhythm. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to various symptoms, but some people may not experience any at all.

Common Symptoms of AFib

1. Palpitations

• A feeling of your heart skipping beats, beating too fast, or having an irregular rhythm.
• Some describe it as a “fluttering” sensation in the chest.

2. Fatigue and Weakness

• Due to inefficient blood circulation, your body may not get enough oxygen, leading to tiredness.
• Simple activities such as climbing stairs or walking may become exhausting.

3. Shortness of Breath

• AFib can reduce the heart’s efficiency, making it harder to get enough oxygen to the tissues.
• This is often more noticeable during physical activity or when lying down.

4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

• The irregular heart rhythm can lead to poor blood flow, causing dizziness.
• In severe cases, it may result in fainting.

5. Chest Pain or Discomfort

• Chest discomfort may occur, especially in patients with underlying heart disease.
• Chest pain should never be ignored, as it might indicate other serious conditions like a heart attack.

6. Anxiety or Feeling of Unease

• Some patients feel a sense of anxiety or unease due to the irregular heartbeats.
• This may contribute to further worsening of symptoms, especially in stressful situations.

What to Do If You Experience These Symptoms?

If you suspect you have AFib, especially if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. AFib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications, so early diagnosis and management are crucial.

Comorbidities and Risk Factors

AFib often occurs alongside other medical conditions, including: - High blood pressure (Hypertension) - Diabetes - Obesity - Sleep apnea - Heart valve disease - Hyperthyroidism - Excessive alcohol or stimulant use

Managing these conditions can help reduce the risk of complications from AFib.

Conclusion

AFib is a serious but manageable condition. Understanding its symptoms and recognizing its risks can help with early intervention and better treatment outcomes. If you experience any signs of AFib, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and proper management.

Source recommendations

1. 2023 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
3. https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2023-accahaaccphrs-guideline-diagnosis-and-management-patients-atrial-fibrillation
4. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/11/27/19/46/2023-acc-guideline-for-af-gl-af
5. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation

2. 2020 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
3. https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
5. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation