How do I know if I have atrial fibrillation?

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation vary from person to person. One third of the people with atrial fibrillation do not have symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Many are not aware of their abnormal heart rhythm caused by atrial fibrillation. Other people with atrial fibrillation may notice the rapid and irregular heart beat causing discomfort. Many people with atrial fibrillation discover that they have atrial fibrillation during a routine doctor's exam. The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can be continuous or can come and go.

Some symptoms of atrial fibrillation are:

• heart palpitations (the sensation of their heart beating fast against their chest)
• fatigue and weakness
• difficulty breathing, short of breath
• dizziness
• perspiration
• a faint feeling, fainting

If there is underlying heart disease present, a person with atrial fibrillation may feel:

• chest pain
• severe difficulty breathing with fluid in the lungs
• loss of consciousness

Atrial fibrillation can re-occur at different times and can be quite uncomfortable and frightening. It can also interfere with a  person's daily activities and impact their quality of life.