Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a common heart rhythm condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly and often faster than usual. While some people experience noticeable symptoms, others may have atrial fibrillation without knowing it. Identifying possible AFib symptoms and warning signs and seeking appropriate medical assessment can help support timely diagnosis and management.
For people living in Alexandra Hills, Cleveland, Capalaba, Mount Cotton, Redland Bay and Victoria Point, understanding the signs of atrial fibrillation can be an important part of maintaining heart health.
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. It occurs when the electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, becomes disorganised. Instead of contracting in a coordinated rhythm, the atria quiver or beat irregularly.
This can result in an irregular heartbeat and may affect how effectively the heart pumps blood. Atrial fibrillation is also associated with an increased risk of blood clots and stroke, which is why appropriate assessment and ongoing management are important.
AF can occur in episodes that start and stop, or it can persist for longer periods. Some people may have symptoms every time an episode occurs, while others may have few or no noticeable symptoms.
The experience of AF can vary from person to person. Some people may notice symptoms suddenly, while others may only discover the condition during a routine medical assessment or heart test.
Common atrial fibrillation symptoms can include:
These symptoms can also occur with other heart or non-heart conditions, so experiencing them does not necessarily mean that a person has AF. An appropriate medical assessment is needed to determine the underlying cause.
One of the challenges with atrial fibrillation is that some episodes can be subtle. A person may simply feel unusually tired, notice occasional palpitations or become short of breath during activities that were previously comfortable.
An irregular pulse can also be a reason to seek medical advice, particularly when it is accompanied by dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort or reduced exercise tolerance.
It is important not to assume that symptoms are simply related to getting older, stress or being unfit. If symptoms are new, recurring or concerning, speaking with your GP is an appropriate first step.
If you experience sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting or symptoms suggestive of a stroke, seek urgent medical attention.
Atrial fibrillation can affect different people, and its causes are not always clear. However, several health conditions and lifestyle factors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing AF.
These can include:
Managing cardiovascular risk factors can form an important part of overall heart health. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of developing AF.
If your GP or cardiologist suspects atrial fibrillation, they may ask about your symptoms, medical history and any relevant risk factors before performing or arranging heart investigations.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important test used to identify atrial fibrillation because it records the electrical activity of the heart.
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, additional investigations may include:
An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and can help identify an irregular heart rhythm.
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that records heart activity over an extended period, commonly 24 hours or longer. It can be useful when symptoms come and go and are not present during a standard ECG.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart. It can provide information about the heart’s structure and function and may help identify underlying heart conditions.
Blood tests may be used to investigate potential contributing factors, including thyroid problems and other abnormalities.
Other monitoring or investigations may be considered depending on the person’s symptoms and clinical circumstances.
Atrial fibrillation is more than an irregular heartbeat. It can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can potentially travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
The Heart Foundation notes that people with AF are around five times more likely to experience a stroke than people without AF. This is why stroke risk assessment is an important part of atrial fibrillation management.
Not everyone with AF will require the same treatment. Your doctor or cardiologist will consider factors such as your age, medical history, symptoms and individual stroke risk when discussing management options.
Management depends on the individual and may involve more than one approach.
Depending on the clinical situation, management may include medicines to control the heart rate or rhythm, medicines to reduce the risk of blood clots, lifestyle measures and, for some patients, procedures such as cardioversion or catheter ablation.
Treatment decisions should be made with your treating doctor or cardiologist after an appropriate assessment. You should not start, stop or change heart medication without discussing it with your healthcare professional.
Managing associated health conditions is also important. Blood pressure, diabetes, weight, sleep apnoea and other cardiovascular risk factors may need to be reviewed as part of an individual’s overall care.
If you have recurring palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, unexplained breathlessness, dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance, speak with your GP about whether further assessment is appropriate.
A referral to a cardiologist may be considered when symptoms require further investigation or when a heart rhythm condition has been identified.
For people searching for an atrial fibrillation cardiologist in Alexandra Hills, a local cardiology service can provide access to cardiovascular assessment and investigations. BK Heart centre is located on Cambridge Drive in Alexandra Hills and provides cardiac services and diagnostic investigations.
Patients searching for a cardiologist in Cleveland QLD, cardiologist in Capalaba QLD, cardiologist in Mount Cotton QLD, cardiologist in Redland Bay QLD or cardiologist in Victoria Point QLD may also discuss their symptoms and referral options with their GP.
Awareness of AFib symptoms can help people recognise changes in their heart rhythm and know when to seek medical advice.
If you live in Alexandra Hills or surrounding Redlands areas such as Cleveland, Capalaba, Mount Cotton, Redland Bay or Victoria Point, speak with your GP if you are experiencing recurring palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, unusual tiredness or other symptoms that concern you.
For patients who have been referred for cardiac assessment, BK Heart Alexandra Hills provides cardiovascular services at Shop 38/71 Cambridge Drive, Alexandra Hills, QLD 4161.
Dr Neelabh Sharma is a cardiologist associated with BK Heart. Patients should discuss their individual symptoms, test results and treatment options with their treating healthcare professional.
Atrial fibrillation can sometimes be difficult to recognise because symptoms vary considerably between individuals. Palpitations, an irregular or racing heartbeat, breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance can all occur with AFib.
Early assessment can help determine whether symptoms are related to atrial fibrillation or another condition. If you are concerned about possible AFib symptoms and warning signs, speak with your GP about whether an ECG or cardiology assessment may be appropriate.
For people in Alexandra Hills and surrounding suburbs, understanding the signs of atrial fibrillation is an important step towards being more informed about their heart health.
Medical disclaimer: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your symptoms or heart health, speak with your GP or qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, seek urgent medical assistance.
