Atrial Fibrillation & Flutter Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of AF and atrial flutter (AFL) vary from person to person. For some, it feels like a sudden flutter or tremor of the heart, while others feel nothing unusual during an episode of AF or AFL. Many people say that they are aware of exactly when their heartbeat becomes irregular and more rapid than normal. They also may experience anxiety and fear, especially the first few times they feel an episode of AF. Other symptoms that are experienced by some patients are:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness and difficulty exercising, even walking or going up a flight of stairs
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope)
The symptoms of Atrial Flutter are similar, but patients do not usually experience the irregular heart rhythm that is more typical with AF.
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