What Are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

1 answer | Last updated: Apr 03, 2013
Answers
Caring.com User - Leslie Kernisan, M.D.
Caring.com Expert
Send a Hug or Prayer
Send a Hug or Prayer
A
Dr. Leslie Kernisan is a senior medical editor at Caring.com and a clinical instructor in the University of California, San Francisco, Division of Geriatrics....
67% helpful
answered...

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, can vary. The most common ones are:

  • Racing and/or irregular heartbeat

  • Shortness of breath

  • Dizziness, fatigue, and/or weakness

Some people also See also:
What's the Difference Between Angina, Coronary Artery Disease, and Heart Disease?
experience chest pain, cough, and/or leg swelling (which can be caused by related heart failure), or nausea.

A-fib symptoms are usually due to the heart being less able to pump effectively, because it's beating too fast or not as powerfully. In many people, however, the atrial fibrillation doesn't immediately cause a noticeable decrease in heart function. These people may not experience any symptoms at all from atrial fibrillation, especially if the A-fib doesn't cause them to have a particularly fast heartbeat.

 

 
Ask a question Ask a question | Add an answer Add an answer

Assisted living costs near you

Compare pictures, pricing, options.