In an average lifetime, your heart beats about 2.5 billion times. It is a muscle that works day and night to quietly push blood through its four chambers, sending and receiving blood from the rest of your body. You are usually unaware of your heart's hard work unless you feel a sudden thud in the left side of your chest, which may be a symptom of a condition called atrial fibrillation.
What does atrial fibrillation feel like?
With atrial fibrillation, you may feel that your heart has skipped a beat, a mild fluttering like butterflies, or a stronger flip-flopping sensation where your heart is. Stronger symptoms include feeling like you have been physically exerting yourself as well as having difficulty breathing.
What causes atrial fibrillation?
Normally, the four chambers of your heart perform a smooth routine, beating 60 to 100 times a minute to send blood throughout your entire body. The lower ventricles and upper atria work together to efficiently and consistently squeeze for blood flow.
During an atrial fibrillation episode, this smooth, coordinated action races or becomes a nervous quiver. The atria then sends other signals that may include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness or a weak, faint feeling. You may also experience problems during exercise or mental confusion if you have atrial fibrillation.
Does atrial fibrillation feel like heart palpitations?
Generally, people who have atria fibrillation go to the doctor with complaints of heart palpitations. However, this condition can also be asymptomatic, meaning you never experience any of these symptoms, or they may be so mild you don't even notice them. You may not find out about your condition until you have an exam or perhaps an electrocardiogram for another reason. A study by cardiologists at an Italian university in 2012 found that patients over the age of 70 can have the condition without any palpitations.
What should I do if I have atrial fibrillation symptoms?
It is important to consult you doctor if you experience even one of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Left untreated, the condition can lead to falling blood pressure, resulting in heart failure or the formation of clots that can lead to stroke.
The frequency of these symptoms determines how a health care team tests for atrial fibrillation. Your doctor will first ask a series of questions to help assess your symptoms. Some things he or she will ask about is if you have any family members with the condition, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, chest pain, or if you use alcohol or tobacco. He or she will check your feet and ankles for swelling. If your symptoms are sporadic, you will likely be given a monitor to wear for 48 hours. If you only experience symptoms during exercise, a stress test will be ordered. If you have chronic atrial fibrillation, a cardiologist will confirm the diagnosis with an electrocardiogram (EKG).
If you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners. He or she will advise you on ways to take care of the condition. These changes may include diet, mild exercise, and additional lifestyle changes.
