How does AFIB make you feel?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of how Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) can affect an individual's well-being. Atrial Fibrillation, often referred to as AFIB, is the most common type of arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat. It can cause a variety of symptoms and feelings, which may include: 1. Palpitations: Patients often describe a sensation of their heart fluttering, racing, or pounding in their chest. 2. Fatigue: AFIB can lead to a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion due to the reduced efficiency of the heart's pumping action. 3. Shortness of breath: Because the heart is not pumping effectively, it can result in decreased oxygen supply to the body, leading to breathlessness, especially during physical activity. 4. Chest pain or discomfort: Some individuals may experience chest pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest. 5. Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can occur due to the irregular rhythm and reduced cardiac output. 6. Confusion or memory problems: These cognitive issues can arise if the brain is not receiving a consistent supply of oxygen-rich blood. It's important to note that not everyone with AFIB experiences these symptoms, and some may even have no symptoms at all, a condition known as silent AFIB. However, even without symptoms, AFIB can still lead to serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure, if left untreated.

When you have atrial fibrillation, you might notice a skipped heartbeat, and then feel a thud or thump, followed by your heart racing for an extended amount of time. Or you might feel heart palpitations or fluttering or jumping of your heart. Or you might experience sweating or chest pain, mimicking a heart attack.