The main feature of AFib is palpitations, which are irregular heartbeats. However, symptoms of AFIB arrhythmias can be different for everyone.
Some people may be asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience noticeable symptoms of illness. Instead, they may learn that they have the condition during a checkup. You may be more likely to have asymptomatic AFib if you:
- were assigned male at birth
- are older
- have previously experienced a stroke
However,
- general fatigue and fatigue when exercising
- weakness
- heart palpitations, which may cause:
- a feeling of thumping or fluttering in the chest
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- rapid, weak, or irregular pulse
- chest pain or chest pressure
- shortness of breath
- faintness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
- anxiety
- sweating
- struggling to stand
Chest pain is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.
Learn more about when to seek help for chest pain.
What does AFib feel like?
According to the
AFib can be mistaken for anxiety or the effects of exercise. What differentiates AFib is an irregular heart rate. However, if you are unsure, contact a doctor promptly.
AFib symptoms can occur at night. AFib is also linked with sleep disorders, including those that affect breathing.
A 2021 review suggests that you are up to
Another 2021 study suggests that sleeping on your left side may trigger nighttime AFib with noticeable symptoms, especially if you are overweight.
Signs that you may have AFib or be at increased risk of nighttime AFib can include:
- waking up feeling anxious
- waking up to a strange feeling in your chest
- sleep apnea episodes, which may cause:
- snoring
- inconsistent breathing or gasping for air during your sleep
- daytime tiredness
- waking up often in the night
You may also experience other typical symptoms of AFib during the night, such as sweating.
Your symptoms may vary slightly depending on the kind of AFib:
- Paroxysmal AFib: This refers to a brief AFib episode. Paroxysmal AFib usually stops within 24 hours but can last up to 1 week. It may be asymptomatic or feel strong.
- Persistent AFib: Persistent AFib refers to AFib that lasts for more than 1 week.
- Long-term persistent AFib: This is when AFib symptoms last for more than 1 year without resolving.
- Permanent AFib: This is AFib that does not go away with treatment.
Read more about AFib, including its causes and treatment.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of AFib. They will diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan.
However, some symptoms require emergency medical care.
Also, experiencing AFib can increase your chance of blood clots, which may lead to stroke or heart attack. Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of stroke and heart attack is highly advisable to know when to seek help.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical help for any of the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath or other difficulty breathing
- severe chest pain
- a rapid or irregular heartbeat that is not improving
- facial drooping
- facial numbness
- weakness or numbness in the arms
- confusion
- slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- severe headache
Read more about when to seek emergency care for stroke and heart attack symptoms.
Learn more about the possible complications of AFib.
Angela Ryan Lee, M.D., FACC, has reviewed the following frequently asked questions.
How do I check my heart rate with AFib?
To take your heart rate, place the tips of your first two fingers on the inside of your wrist. Count the pulse for 30 seconds and double that number — this gives you the amount of beats per minute.
What is a dangerous heart rate?
A typical heart rate should rest between 60 and 80 beats per minute. Generally, a heart rate above 100 is considered an elevated heart rate.
However, standard heart rates can vary per person, and no one heart rate will indicate AFib. This is because AFib can cause different symptoms in everyone.
If you notice your heart rate is irregular or different from your usual rate, contact your doctor immediately.
Can AFib be cured?
Rarely, AFib can improve
Contact a doctor for advice about your treatment and outlook.
AFib causes an irregular heartbeat. AFib symptoms include a fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest, irregular heart rates, and fatigue. Other symptoms of AFib can include night sweats, anxiety, and weakness. However, some people do not experience any symptoms.
AFib can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. Seek emergency medical care for any serious symptoms, such as severe chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
Contact a doctor immediately if you notice any other symptoms of AFib.