Guide To Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms

Exercise Intolerance

Exercise intolerance is a term used to describe when an individual is unable or has a decreased ability to perform physical activities and exercises at the same duration and intensity level as someone of the same age. An individual who has exercise intolerance may experience vomiting, nausea, unusually severe post-exercise pain, fatigue, and other adverse effects. When a healthy individual exercises, their heart rate increases to a rate considered healthy and does not cause them to feel any adverse side effects.

When the heart beats too fast in a patient who has atrial fibrillation, the blood cannot flow throughout the heart normally because the atria do not contract in proper coordination with the ventricles. An individual who has atrial fibrillation may experience a racing heart that causes a rapid decrease in blood pressure, resulting in other symptoms, including feeling dizzy and lightheaded. An individual who has atrial fibrillation may also experience chest pain when they are performing physical activities and or exercising.