Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Medically Reviewed By Angela Ryan Lee, MD, FACC

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is when the heart beats irregularly, interrupting the usual blood flow around your body. Symptoms do not always develop, but they can include heart palpitations and shortness of breath. This article discussed the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib), including the types of AFib and nighttime symptoms. It also explains when to seek medical help and the possible complications of AFib, as well as answers some frequently asked questions about AFib symptoms.

Symptoms of AFib

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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, several symptoms Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source of AFib indicate your heart is not functioning healthily, including:

  • 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 American Heart Association Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source , a fluttering or quivering heartbeat or sensation in your chest is the most common symptom of AFib. Lightheadedness or irregular heartbeats are other symptoms.

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.

Nighttime symptoms of AFib

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 4 times more likely Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to develop atrial fibrillation at night if you have sleep apnea.

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.

Types of AFib

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.

When to seek medical help

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:

Read more about when to seek emergency care for stroke and heart attack symptoms.

Learn more about the possible complications of AFib.

FAQ

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 without treatment Trusted Source American Heart Association Highly respected national organization Go to source . However, it most often requires medication or surgery to prevent episodes and decrease the risk of a stroke.

Contact a doctor for advice about your treatment and outlook.

Summary

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.

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Medical Reviewer: Angela Ryan Lee, MD, FACC
Last Review Date: 2023 Jan 31
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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.