Guide To Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms

Lightheadedness And Dizziness

Atrial fibrillation prevents the lower chambers of the heart from filling completely, and this reduces the amount of blood pumped to the lungs and rest of the body. Patients may develop low blood pressure and many experience lightheadedness and dizziness as a result. Patients may feel as though they are about to faint, and some have fainting episodes. Individuals who feel lightheaded or dizzy should try to sit or lie down as soon as possible to reduce the risk of a fall. If a home blood pressure monitor is available, it can be beneficial to measure the patient's blood pressure at the time dizziness is experienced. Patients should report any episodes of dizziness to their medical team, and they should let their healthcare providers know if they are experiencing more frequent dizziness than usual.

Fatigue And Weakness

Since atrial fibrillation affects the blood supply to the body, many patients notice fatigue and weakness. In fact, fatigue is the most common symptom of this condition. Fatigue can lead to a reduced ability to exercise, and patients may become very tired after only a small amount of physical activity. In some cases, fatigue could be severe enough to impact a patient's ability to perform daily tasks like cooking or shopping. Patients who are feeling weak or fatigued should try to build in rest breaks throughout the day, and they should ensure they get sufficient sleep.

It can be helpful to cut down on activities, and patients might need to adopt a modified exercise plan. Fatigue and weakness should always be mentioned to the patient's doctor. These symptoms could be signs of other underlying conditions, and worsening fatigue and weakness may indicate the patient's atrial fibrillation is not as controlled as it could be. Doctors may be able to recommend lifestyle changes and medications to improve the patient's symptom control and quality of life.