About this condition
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that may cause an irregular pulse, palpitations, fatigue or breathlessness. It may also have no obvious symptoms; its importance includes an increased risk of stroke for some patients.
What you should know
During atrial fibrillation, electrical activity in the atria is disorganised and the heartbeat becomes irregular. Episodes may come and go or persist. The rhythm seen today alone does not describe a person’s long-term risk.
When to seek medical advice
Possible symptoms include an irregular or racing heartbeat, reduced exercise tolerance, dizziness, weakness and shortness of breath. Similar complaints may occur for other reasons, and a normal pulse during one brief examination does not exclude intermittent arrhythmia.
Important distinctions
An irregular pulse raises suspicion but does not establish the diagnosis. Atrial fibrillation differs from other palpitations, ectopic beats and tachycardias; the rhythm must be documented on an ECG or suitable recording.
How assessment works
An ECG confirms the diagnosis. If episodes are intermittent, ambulatory rhythm monitoring may be recommended. The doctor also reviews blood pressure, other illnesses, selected blood tests and echocardiography when indicated, then assesses stroke and bleeding risks.
Management and limitations
Depending on symptoms and clinical factors, care may include rate or rhythm control, treatment of associated conditions and an individual decision about anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk. Never start, stop or change anticoagulant or antiarrhythmic treatment without medical advice.
When emergency help is needed
Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, severe chest pain or major breathlessness may indicate stroke or another emergency. Call 103 or 112 immediately, even if an episode of palpitations seems to have stopped.
Related information
High cholesterol (dyslipidaemia); Preventive family doctor consultation; Interpretation of test results.
Signs and symptoms
Possible symptoms include an irregular or racing heartbeat, reduced exercise tolerance, dizziness, weakness and shortness of breath. Similar complaints may occur for other reasons, and a normal pulse during one brief examination does not exclude intermittent arrhythmia.
Diagnosis and tests
An ECG confirms the diagnosis. If episodes are intermittent, ambulatory rhythm monitoring may be recommended. The doctor also reviews blood pressure, other illnesses, selected blood tests and echocardiography when indicated, then assesses stroke and bleeding risks.
Care and treatment approaches
Depending on symptoms and clinical factors, care may include rate or rhythm control, treatment of associated conditions and an individual decision about anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk. Never start, stop or change anticoagulant or antiarrhythmic treatment without medical advice.
When to seek urgent care
Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, severe chest pain or major breathlessness may indicate stroke or another emergency. Call 103 or 112 immediately, even if an episode of palpitations seems to have stopped.
Frequently asked questions
Can atrial fibrillation be diagnosed by feeling my pulse?
An irregular pulse is a reason to seek assessment, but confirmation requires an ECG recording of the rhythm.
Does everyone with atrial fibrillation need anticoagulants?
No. The decision depends on individual stroke risk, bleeding risk, contraindications and clinical circumstances.
Is stroke risk gone once normal rhythm returns?
Not necessarily. Long-term prevention is based on individual clinical risk factors, not only on the rhythm during a single visit.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
