Does your heart skip a beat? It could be atrial fibrillation. You should Know the signs and symptoms
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a kind of abnormal heartbeat or heart arrhythmia. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers fibrillate or twitch instead of pumping normally. In people with atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat may be fast but not regular. It stems from a problem with the electrical pathways controlling the heart rhythm.
Heart specialists in Hyderabad point out that this condition may
- Come and go
- Occur as a one-off incident
- Persist over time
Esteemed cardiologists in Secunderabad have compiled a list of the symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation. Let us take you through them.
Symptoms
Cardiologists catering to stent coronary treatments say that Afib symptoms typically stem from a poor blood supply to the heart or the body. It may cause different, unrelated symptoms.
Some symptoms people with Afib experience are
Chest pain or angina
- It stems from a reduced blood supply to the heart.
- Angina feels like chest squeezing or pressure.
- The pain may spread to the ears, neck, arms, or upper back.
- It may come and go or last for a while.
- Resting may provide some relief.
Heart specialists in Hyderabad say that angina chest pain may mimic heart attack chest pain.
Angioplasty in the heart is not a typical treatment for Afib.
However, seek medical help if angina
- Lasts longer than usual
- Happens while resting
- Occurs unpredictably
- Changes suddenly
Fainting or Dizziness
When the heart does not function well, the body, including the brain, may not receive adequate blood supply. It can trigger lightheadedness.
Cardiologists in Secunderabad say that such dizziness may
- Be mild or severe
- Cause vomiting or nausea
- Result in fainting or syncope
- Lie down when you feel dizzy.
Weakness or Fatigue
- Cardiologists offering stent coronary treatments say that Afib fatigue occurs because:
- Your heart is not pumping well.
- It is not providing adequate oxygenated blood to the body.
- An absence of enough blood can make you feel tired.
Afib fatigue is different from typical fatigue. It can make you
- Feel constantly tired
- Experience extreme tiredness
- Drained
- Exhausted
- Feel an absence of energy
Palpitations
Palpitations refer to noticeable feelings in the chest from an irregular heartbeat.
Heart doctors performing treatments like angioplasty in the heart refer to palpitations as
- Thumping
- Racing
- A fast heartbeat that crops suddenly
- Fluttering
- Banging
- Loud heart sounds
- Flip-flopping
- Pounding
- Heart skipping a beat
Shortness of Breath
When the heart fails to pump blood, it causes fluid buildup in the lungs. It may make breathing harder, even when resting or during routine activities.
People describe it as
- Heaviness in chest
- Breathlessness
- An anxiety attack
- Heaviness in lungs
Some relief measures include
- Breathing into a paper bag
- Sitting down and relaxing
- Holding your breath for 10–15 seconds
- Trying pursed lip breathing
Afib Symptoms at Night
While the condition may occur at any time, the symptoms at night vary from daytime signs as you are at rest.
Some of the top symptoms include
- Anxious feelings when you wake up
- Waking up with an odd chest sensation
- Experiencing night sweat
- Heavy breathing in sleep
- Sleep apnea
What to Do?
If left untreated, Afib may aggravate heart failure or a heart attack. It may also induce a stroke or blood clots. So, consult a doctor when you experience such signs. For folks in Hyderabad, reach out to Dr Raghu, an ace heart specialist with expertise in Afib and similar issues. He will guide you with symptom diagnosis, management, and treatment.
