Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cardiovascular DiseasesAtrial Fibrillation
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Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Canva (2); Everyday Health
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Updated on November 22, 2024
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Atrial fibrillation, or afib, is a type of heart arrhythmia — or irregular heartbeat — caused by abnormal electrical signals in the upper chambers of your heart (atria). These erratic electrical impulses travel to the lower chambers of your heart or ventricles and cause a rapid, irregular heartbeat.

Some people with afib don’t experience symptoms, while others feel chest pain, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations or a fluttering feeling in the chest. Afib may come and go, or be constant.

Treatment for this condition includes surgery, medications, or shock therapy to get the heart rhythm back to normal.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Afib symptoms can vary, and while some may remain asymptomatic, others might feel like their heart is racing or skipping a beat.

Common signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:

  • Chest pain
  • Extreme fatigue or tiredness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is fluttering, pounding, or "skipping a beat")
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting, also called syncope
  • Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea
  • Excessive sweating or diaphoresis


Types of Atrial Fibrillation

Paroxysmal Afib

These episodes of atrial fibrillation come and go over a week or less. Symptoms may last minutes to hours and resolve on their own, but sometimes the condition needs treatment. This type may progress to persistent afib.

Persistent Afib

Persistent afib symptoms last for more than a week and require treatment to reset the heart's rhythm.

Long-Term Persistent Afib

Your heart beats irregularly for over 12 months. Long-term persistent afib can be challenging to treat, so your healthcare provider may recommend different medications or procedures to reset the rhythm of the heart.

Permanent Afib

Permanent atrial fibrillation happens when attempts to reset your heart's rhythm, either with medications or medical procedures, are unsuccessful. Your heart remains in an abnormal rhythm indefinitely. Your healthcare provider will focus on managing your heart rate and preventing blood clots. Afib (typically when uncontrolled or rapid) can lead to heart failure.

Potential Complications of Atrial Fibrillation

Untreated atrial fibrillation may cause serious complications. Afib (typically uncontrolled or rapid) can lead to heart failure. It can cause embolism in arteries in the brain, causing stroke, but it can also occur in other arteries, such as coronary arteries and peripheral arteries. Afib does not lead to atherosclerosis plaque-buildup-type blockages.




When to See a Doctor

Afib puts you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke — both medical emergencies. Call 911 if you have any signs or symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, including:

  • Sudden one-sided numbness or weakness
  • Trouble speaking or understanding others
  • Confusion
  • Trouble walking
  • Pain or pressure in the center of your chest or upper abdomen
  • A squeezing sensation around your chest
  • Pain down your left arm
If you take blood thinners for your afib, you may be at risk for bleeding in the brain, gut, or urinary system. Call your healthcare provider immediately for any unusual or excessive bleeding after an injury or if there’s blood in your urine, stool, or vomit.

If you have well-controlled afib, be sure to see your doctor if any of your symptoms worsen or return after treatment.

The Takeaway

  • Atrial fibrillation is a heart arrhythmia that may cause chest pain, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or a fluttering feeling in the chest.
  • Some people don’t have any symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that improve with treatment.
  • Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your heart health. 

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Chung Yoon, MD

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Chung Yoon, MD, is a noninvasive cardiologist with a passion for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment of a wide range of heart and cardiovascular disorders. He enjoys clinical decision-making and providing patient care in both hospital and outpatient settings. He excels at analytical and decision-making skills and building connection and trust with patients and their families.
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Angela McPhillips is a registered nurse and doctor of nursing practice with over 15 years of healthcare experience. She earned her nursing degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Her postgraduate and doctoral specialty is advanced population health nursing, specifically meeting the needs of medically complex children and students with disabilities in school and community settings.

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Resources
  1. Nesheiwat Z et al. Atrial Fibrillation. StatPearls. July 24, 2023.
  2. Afib. Cleveland Clinic. July 25, 2024.
  3. Living With Atrial Fibrillation. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. November 30, 2022.
Additional Sources