An occasional heart flutter or racing heartbeat aren’t always signs of a bigger problem—but they could be. Maybe you’re in love, and your heart is “a-flutter.” However, if love isn’t in the air, you could be experiencing the signs of AFib.
If your racing heart continues or you begin to notice other symptoms, it’s time to visit your doctor. Specific tests can diagnose AFib (or other issues), then your doctor can recommend the best treatment to reset your heart rate.
What are the symptoms of AFib? Keep reading to learn three early warning signs.
What Is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and or rapid heart rate that can lead to a risk of strokes or heart failure. In some cases, AFib can be a symptom of other underlying health conditions like diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure. Untreated AFib symptoms can lead to serious heart issues and health complications, including memory loss.
While AFib itself isn’t necessarily fatal, it can lead to deadly conditions. If you notice any of these early warning signs, don’t delay treatment from your doctor or a hospital.
What Are the Early Signs?
It’s critical to pay attention to your health, especially if you have a family history of chronic health issues. You could be at risk for AFib if other family members have dealt with this health issue. If you think you are at risk of familial atrial fibrillation, click this link for more information.
Whether you have relatives that deal with AFib or not, these signs could be your first warning that you need treatment for this condition.
Consistent Fatigue
Everyone gets tired, but ongoing, profound fatigue could be a sign of a severe health problem. Fatigue is more than feeling sleepy. It’s an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to relieve.
When your heart struggles to maintain a consistent rhythm, you could experience ongoing fatigue. If you notice that you consistently lack energy or require a tremendous amount of rest, it’s time to talk to your doctor about AFib.
Ongoing Racing Heart
We mentioned already mentioned this symptom because it can be a significant indicator of AFib. Your heart might race from time to time. However, if the conditions last for several hours or days, you could be experiencing AFib.
A racing heart makes it hard to catch your breath. It can also restrict blood flow throughout your body and lead to a stroke.
Dizziness
When blood flow doesn’t function properly throughout your body, you can experience dizziness. AFib disrupts your heartbeat and interrupts healthy blood flow. Dizziness, accompanied by a rapid heart rate, can indicate a problem with AFib.
Don’t Ignore the Signs Of AFib
On their own, these signs might not relate to AFib. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms over several days or a week, don’t ignore them. Contact your doctor to get tested (and treated) for AFib.
Was this information was helpful? We hope you’ll explore more of our informative articles!
