Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms and Warning Signs
                     Atrial Fibrillation: 
Symptoms and 
Warning Signs
Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is an irregular heart rhythm 
that begins in your heart’s upper chambers (atria). 
Symptoms include fatigue, heart palpitations, trouble 
breathing and dizziness. 
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
What is atrial 
fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (also called Afib or AF) is an irregular 
heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that begins in the upper 
(atria) of your heart. If you have atrial fibrillation, the 
normal cycle of electrical impulses in your heart is 
interrupted.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
Types of atrial 
fibrillation
 Paroxysmal Afib lasts less than one week and 
usually stops on its own without treatment. 
 Persistent Afib lasts more than one week and 
needs treatment.
 Long-standing persistent Afib lasts more than a 
year and is sometimes difficult to treat.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
Symptoms of atrial 
fibrillation
 Extreme fatigue
 An irregular heartbeat
 Heart palpitations
 A feeling of butterflies or a fish flopping in your 
chest
 Dizziness or lightheadedness
 Fainting (syncope)
 Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
 Chest pain (angina)
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
How can you check 
for Afib at home?
 If you think you have Afib symptoms, it’s 
important to call your healthcare provider right 
away to discuss how you’re feeling. 
 Your provider may ask you to check your pulse. If 
it feels erratic or weak, that could be a sign you’re 
in Afib.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
Signs of bleeding
 Bright red blood in your vomit, stool, or urine
 Severe pain in your head or abdomen
 Drastic vision changes
 Difficulty moving your legs or arms
 Memory loss
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
Heart attack 
symptoms
 Pain, discomfort or pressure in the center of your 
chest or upper abdomen (it could come and go, or 
persist).
 A feeling of squeezing, fullness, heartburn or 
indigestion.
 Pain down your left arm.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
Stroke symptoms
 Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of 
your body
 Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding 
others
 Difficulty seeing in one or both of your eyes
 Trouble walking
 Feeling dizzy or off-balance
 Sudden headache for no reason
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
Signs of cardiac 
arrest
 Chest pain (angina)
 Shortness of breath
 Nausea and vomiting
 Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org
How does atrial fibrillation 
affect my body?
 When you’re in Afib, your heart’s electrical system 
isn’t working as it should. Your electrical impulses 
are chaotic, leading to an irregular and rapid 
heartbeat. When you feel your pulse isn’t right, 
you might wonder what’s going on inside your 
heart.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org