What Does AFib Feel Like? – Jeffrey
My initial episode of AFib occurred the night of December 30, 2011. At the time, I was eating my favorite dessert of frozen blueberries mixed with vanilla ice cream.
My heart rate inexplicably accelerated, and I began experiencing tightness in my throat, a pounding chest pressure that was uncomfortable but not severe, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. The occurrence lasted eight hours and required hospitalization for conversion with medication.
My first incident seemed the most severe as far as symptom intensity, or I may have grown accustomed to the sensations with later episodes. Each time, I worried that the AFib would not stop.
Jeffrey's Patient Experiences with AFib
As a clinical exercise physiologist, I have had the opportunity to work in cardiac rehab programs for more than 20 years. In that time, I’ve taken care of hundreds of clients with AFib.
Some of the most frequent comments I’ve heard from people about how AFib feels are:
- “My heart feels like it is fluttering “
- “I feel washed out.”
- “My heart feels like it’s flip-flopping around inside my chest.”
- “My heart feels like it’s beating fast enough to jump out of my chest.”
- “I feel jittery and weak.”
- “My heart took off on me like a race-horse.”
Some clients reported feeling a forceful beat before AFib’s onset, followed by lightheadedness and an anxious sensation. In most cases, the person was immediately aware of when their heart rhythm changed.
In one instance, an elderly individual was walking on a treadmill when AFib began and had no idea it was happening because of an absence of symptoms.
A study in the June 2015 issue of Circulation demonstrated that most people with symptomatic AFib experienced a reduction in their physical and emotional quality of life.
What to Do When You Experience AFib Symptoms
Distinguishing between AFib and heart attack symptoms is tricky, so it’s important to seek prompt medical attention when they occur. Call 911 or your physician immediately if you experience:
- Mid chest pressure or pain lasting more than a few minutes that moves to the shoulders, arms, back, stomach, or neck and jaw
- Cold sweating
- Nausea
Stroke is a significant risk for people with AFib, and the following signs need a rapid medical intervention:
- Facial Droop
- Arm or leg weakness
- Slurred speech or trouble speaking
- Drooling
Timely medical attention will ensure that you receive the best care for your condition.
The Bottom Line
AFib symptoms are different for each person, and some people don’t experience any at all. For your safety, it is wise to report any unusual signs you feel, even if they are subtle.
Effective treatment of AFib requires regular medical assessment and follow-up. Informing your physician of symptoms when they occur aids with timely evaluation and appropriate treatment.
AFib symptoms are unpredictable but are manageable when you work in partnership with your healthcare team. Promptly addressing symptoms and getting them under control will allow you to lead a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.
Silent AFib
While most people will experience some degree of the symptoms highlighted above, not everyone does. A small percentage of people have what is called silent AFib. They are asymptomatic, meaning they don't have any symptoms, or they at least don't notice them.
For people like me who are highly symptomatic, it's hard to believe that someone can be in AFib and not even know it but it does happen.
The silent AFibber is usually diagnosed with atrial fibrillation when they go to the doctor for an annual physical or some other health issue. They'll be shocked when their doctor diagnoses them with AFib because they didn't feel anything!
How Do I Know If I Have AFib?
Most people will know when they go into AFib because the experience will be pretty dramatic or they'll have some degree of the symptoms mentioned earlier. The only way to officially diagnose it, however, is to have an ECG at the doctor's office or by wearing a heart monitor for a period of time prescribed by your doctor.
There are also consumer-grade heart monitors you can buy that don't require a prescription. These devices will allow you to take a quick ECG anywhere you are. Two of the most popular right now are the Kardia monitor by AliveCor and the HeartCheck Pen by CardioComm Solutions, Inc.
The Kardia monitor was created specifically to help diagnose AFib. It has a filter that will tell you instantly if you are possibly in AFib. If it detects that you might be in AFib, you can email the ECG to your doctor or AliveCor's ECG analysis service for confirmation.
Everyone is unique, so their experience with AFib will likely be unique as well. Some people like me are rendered completely useless when they go into AFib, while others either don't even feel it or they have symptoms, but they can function normally.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, if you have AFib in your family or you've experienced any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, you should talk to your doctor.
If you're one of those types that don't like to go to the doctor unless necessary, then I encourage you to at least invest in one of the consumer-grade heart monitors.
Atrial fibrillation itself won't kill you, but the side effects of it can — so don't ignore it!
