4 minute read
Key takeaways
- If you notice symptoms – go get checked! Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK live without knowing they have atrial fibrillation.
- You need to be aware of common symptoms of atrial fibrillation, such as heart palpitations, chest pain, and light-headedness/dizziness.
- Tracking atrial fibrillation or other heart symptoms can be done using wearable tech, but a clinical diagnosis and appropriate treatment can only be given by an expert cardiologist.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) commonly goes undetected as a heart condition, with more than 200,000 people estimated to be living with undiagnosed AF in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation.
But why does this matter? Atrial fibrillation, although not life-threatening, can cause adverse symptoms and affect your quality of life. AF can also increase your risk five times higher than the general population. If diagnosed and treated, the risk of stroke can be reduced, and symptoms of AF can be controlled.
In this article, I highlight the signs and symptoms of AF to look out for and what to do if you suspect you have the condition.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregularly fast heartbeat rhythm. AF is a type of arrhythmia. The condition occurs because the heart’s top chambers (the atria) can quiver or twitch due to electrical signals not being sent to the heart correctly. This causes the heart to beat irregularly, as it reduces your heart’s ability to pump blood properly.
There are four main types of AF. These are:
- Occasional or paroxysmal – symptoms come and go suddenly and typically stop without treatment.
- Persistent – lasts longer than seven days and usually requires treatment.
- Long-term persistent – lasts over a year and is continuous.
- Permanent – lasts long-term. Treatment can help bring the heart rate down, but the rhythm remains irregular.
In terms of symptoms, people can experience atrial fibrillation differently. Some people experience daily symptoms, whereas others experience no symptoms at all. Below are some of the most common symptoms to look out for.
Heart palpitations
AF can cause heart palpitations due to the disruption in the heart’s normal electrical signalling, leading to quick, irregular contractions of the upper chambers of the heart.
In a healthy heart, electrical impulses are sent normally to the heart to help with contractions to get the blood pumping around the body. In AF, multiple abnormal electrical signals fire at the same time, causing the upper chambers of the heart to beat out of sync with the lower part.
This chaotic activity results in an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, which can be felt as palpitations—a sensation of fluttering, pounding, or racing in the chest.
Experiencing heart flutters or racing due to AFib can feel different for everyone. Sometimes, this feeling is very short, lasting only for a little while. Other times, it can stick around for longer.
Chest pain
Chest pain can be a sign of AF due to the heart not working as it should. This feeling can range from mild discomfort to severe pressure or tightness.
Due to a high, irregular heartbeat, AF can affect blood flow to the heart muscle. Irregular blood flow through the heart can lead to chest pain or discomfort (angina), especially in individuals with pre-existing coronary artery disease.
People with underlying heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, are also more likely to experience chest pain during AF episodes because the heart is already affected by their condition.
If your chest pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, you should seek medical attention immediately, as this may be a heart attack.
Light-headedness/dizziness
AF causes dizziness because the heart’s irregular rhythm leads to less efficient blood flow, especially to the brain. When the brain receives less blood, it gets less oxygen and nutrients, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting.
It is vital that you seek out medical advice if you are experiencing frequent lightheadedness or dizziness. This is because these symptoms can also be a sign of a serious health concern, such as a stroke or a heart attack, that will need immediate attention.
Other symptoms you should be aware of when looking for AF include:
- Tiredness or weakness
- You are finding it harder to exercise
- Shortness of breath
Tracking your heart’s activity
As wearable technology has expanded over the years, it is now possible to pick up signs of AF during your day-to-day activities. This is because these devices can detect irregularities in the heart’s rhythm as they can read your heart’s electrical activity.
However, an official diagnosis of atrial fibrillation can only be made by an expert cardiologist using an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an ambulatory ECG monitor. If you have noticed that your smart device shows signs of an irregular heartbeat or you have experienced symptoms similar to AF, you should seek further medical advice.
At the clinic, the team and I will guide you in improving your daily life for the best possible heart health. We can offer advanced tests and personalised plans to help you figure out any heart issues.
If you are worried about your heart health, contact us today to discuss tackling your concerns and becoming your best self.
