Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib or AF, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. The abnormal firing of electrical impulses causes the atria (the top chambers in the heart) to quiver (or fibrillate).
Sometimes people with AFib have no symptoms and their condition is only detectable upon physical examination. Others may experience one or more of these symptoms:
General fatigue
A rapid and irregular heartbeat
Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest
Dizziness
Shortness of breath and anxiety
Weakness
Faintness or confusion
Fatigue when exercising
Sweating
Chest pain or pressure (This is a medical emergency. You may be having a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if you have one of these feelings.)
Are there different types of AFib?
There are different types of AFib. The symptoms are generally the same, although the duration of the AFib and underlying reasons for it can help medical practitioners classify the type of AFib problems.
Paroxysmal fibrillation is when the heart returns to a normal rhythm on its own, or with intervention, within seven days of abnormality. People who have this type of AFib may have episodes only a few times a year or their symptoms may occur every day. These symptoms are very unpredictable and can often turn into a permanent form of AFib.
Persistent AFib is an irregular rhythm that lasts for longer than seven days. This type of AFib will not return to a normal sinus rhythm on its own and will require some form of treatment.
Longstanding AFib is when the heart is consistently in an irregular rhythm for longer than 12 months.
Permanent AFib occurs when the condition lasts indefinitely, and the patient and doctor have decided not to continue trying to restore a normal rhythm.
Nonvalvular AFib is AFib not caused by a heart valve issue.
Over a period of time, paroxysmal fibrillation may become more frequent and longer lasting. This sometimes leads to permanent or chronic AFib.
All types of AFib can increase your risk of stroke. Even if you have no noticeable symptoms, you are nearly five times more likely to have a stroke than someone who doesn’t have AFib.
How are heart attack symptoms different from AFib symptoms?
Fluttering and palpitations are symptoms of AFib. Those feelings are the key difference between AFib and a heart attack. But many heart problems have similar warning signs. If you think you may be having a heart attack, don’t delay. Get emergency help by calling 911 immediately.
A heart attack is a blockage of blood flow to the heart. This often is caused by a clot or buildup of plaque lodging in the coronary artery (a blood vessel that carries blood to part of the heart muscle). A heart attack can damage or destroy part of your heart muscle. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. Most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.