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.

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.

What Increases Your Risk

Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include:

• Age older than 60.
• Being white and male.
• Heart failure.
• Heart valve disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Coronary artery disease and heart attack.
• Obesity.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• A family history of atrial fibrillation.
• Surgery on the heart.
• A history of rheumatic fever.
• Infection, such as pneumonia or endocarditis.
• Lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Metabolic conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
• Use of alcohol. Long-term, heavy alcohol use seems to be linked to atrial fibrillation.
• Use of stimulants. These include medicines, such as theophylline, amphetamines, and decongestants that contain stimulants (such as pseudoephedrine); illegal drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines, or crank; and excessive nicotine or caffeine.
• Use of some prescription medicines, such as albuterol or theophylline.
• Congenital heart disease and surgical repair of congenital heart disease.