Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that happens when the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles). Instead of contracting effectively, the atria quiver and create an irregular and often rapid heartbeat.
While AFib on its own typically isn’t life-threatening, it disrupts your heart’s ability to pump blood; left untreated, it can significantly increase your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. The good news is that AFib is treatable, and proactive care is the best way to protect your long-term health.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions with our Heart Smart Program. Here are five warning signs of AFib that everyone should know and no one should ignore.
Many people with AFib describe the feeling of their irregular heartbeats as a racing, pounding, or fluttering sensation in their chests. These sensations may come on suddenly and last for seconds, minutes, or longer.
Because AFib interferes with blood pumping, your body — and your lungs — may not always get enough oxygen. Even light activity, like walking or climbing stairs, can leave you unusually winded if you have untreated AFib.
If your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, it can make you feel drained all the time. Persistent tiredness — even after a good night’s sleep — can be a subtle but important red flag that means it's time to get your heart checked.
Low blood oxygen can leave your lungs and body fatigued, and it can also affect your brain. Irregular heart rhythms due to AFib can reduce blood flow to your brain and make you feel faint or unsteady. In severe cases, this may even lead to fainting spells.
You should always take chest discomfort seriously. While not everyone experiences chest pain with AFib, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it, because chest pain could also signal a heart attack that requires immediate medical attention.
AFib may come and go (paroxysmal AFib), persist for long periods, or even become permanent. Regardless of the type, it affects your heart’s ability to pump blood, which not only causes uncomfortable symptoms but also raises the chance of blood clots traveling to your brain and causing a stroke.
Do any of these warning signs sound familiar? It’s important not to dismiss them. Early detection and treatment are essential to protect both your heart health and overall quality of life, so schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if you’re experiencing palpitations, fatigue, or unexplained shortness of breath.
Remember that if you develop sudden chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, call 911 immediately because these may be signs of a medical emergency.
Dr. Patel offers comprehensive cardiac evaluations, which can include an electrocardiogram (ECG), monitoring devices, or imaging tests to assess your heart rhythm and overall heart health. With the right diagnosis, treatment options like medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like ablation can help control AFib and reduce risks.
AFib is a serious but manageable condition when it’s caught early. By staying alert to common warning signs, you can take proactive steps toward protecting your heart. Call 201-866-7000 or book an appointment online with NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, to get started.
