Atrial Fibrillation - Symptoms
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- Heart palpitations.
- Irregular pulse.
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or emotional stress.
- Weakness, fatigue.
- Dizziness, confusion.
- Lightheadedness or fainting (syncope).
- Chest pain (angina).
Atrial fibrillation is often discovered during routine medical checkups because many people do not have symptoms. Others may notice an irregular pulse but do not have other symptoms.
Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Disease
The heart has four areas, or chambers. During each heartbeat, the two uppers chambers (atria) contract, followed by the two lower chambers (ventricles). This action is directed by the heart's electrical system. The electrical impulse begins in an area called the sinus node, located in the upper part of the right atrium. When the sinus node fires, an impulse of electrical activity spreads through the right and left atria, causing them to contract, forcing blood into the ventricles. Then the electrical...
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Mild symptoms may occur immediately. More serious problems may occur after the start of atrial fibrillation and over the course of several days. So it is important to identify and treat atrial fibrillation as soon as possible to avoid serious problems.
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