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How AFib Makes You Feel: Common Symptoms

Lub dub. Lub dub. When we lay our head down on the chest of a loved one, we are brought back to that familiar thump that we have recognized since infancy. The human heartbeat is a magically soothing sound. 

But what happens when the heart doesn’t beat in that rhythmic, regular pattern? For individuals with AFib, a steady heartbeat may be a distant memory. You might be wondering: How would I even know if I had atrial fibrillation? What does AFib feel like? Today we will uncover the most common symptoms of AFib.

What is atrial fibrillation?

The heart is like a home. It has four rooms, or chambers. The top two chambers are called the atria, and the bottom two chambers are the ventricles. Just like a home, the heart is wired with electricity. The electrical signal begins at the top of the heart in the sinus (SA) node. In a healthy heart, the electric current travels from top to bottom, causing it to contract and pump blood. 

With AFib, the SA node no longer directs the electrical current. Instead, the heart receives many different impulses outside the sinus node, causing the atria to quiver, or fibrillate. The fast and chaotic rhythm of the atria makes it difficult to pump blood effectively to the ventricles. What’s more, the atria and ventricles no longer work in coordination.

AFib is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, and there are no signs that it’s slowing down soon. It’s estimated that up to 12 million people will suffer from AFib by the year 2050. AFib is an epidemic with grave consequences for public health. 

What does AFib feel like?

The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary from person to person. For many, the first sign of AFib is a missed heartbeat, followed by a feeling that the heart is beating differently. It might feel like a flutter or a quiver in the chest. Others describe AFib as a feeling that the heart is flipping around and pounding. Most people express a feeling that the heart is beating faster than usual. Other ways people describe AFib are:

  • “My heart feels like it has butterflies in it.”
  • “My heart feels like I’m exercising, but I’m not.”
  • “My heart feels like it’s flopping like a fish.”
  • “I am suddenly exhausted.” 
  • “I think that I’m having a heart attack.”
  • “It feels like my heart is pounding.”
  • “It feels like there is a ferret or bird in my chest.”
  • “I just feel like my heart is not right.” 

What are other symptoms of AFib?

Aside from the physical symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, AFib can cause multiple other problems. The most common symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In addition, some individuals feel confused or have a feeling of fogginess. Others feel sweaty, and some even experience chest tightness or pain.

The emotional toll of AFib 

While the physical signs of AFib are hard to bear, the emotional symptoms are sometimes even more distressing. Since our hearts are our lifelines, any perceived problems can cause confusion, anxiety, panic, and a sense of doom. Often, stress exacerbates the symptoms of AFib, as the heart rate elevates more in response to fear. 

For individuals living with AFib, anxiety can become a chronic condition. Individuals can become hyper-sensitive to any minor changes in their bodies as they subconsciously await the next AFib attack. For some, depression can also arise, as they wonder if they will ever get better or if their life as they knew it is over. 

Can symptoms of AFib come and go? 

Depending on the type of atrial fibrillation you have, symptoms may be short-lived or permanent. The duration of symptoms classifies atrial fibrillation: 

  • Paroxysmal AFib: Symptoms of paroxysmal AFib come and go. An episode can last from a few seconds to seven days before returning to normal sinus rhythm. This type of AFib usually resolves on its own with no intervention. 
  • Persistent AFib: Individuals with persistent AFib have symptoms that last longer than seven days and typically require treatments to stop the AFib. 
  • Permanent AFib: AFib may be deemed permanent if it lasts longer than a year and when the decision is made to no longer attempt to restore normal rhythm. 

Is it possible that I have AFib with no symptoms?

Some individuals are unaware that they have atrial fibrillation until it is found at a doctor’s visit or on a routine EKG. In hindsight, some people admit that they noticed increasing fatigue or reduced ability to exercise. However, they report that they attributed it to stress or the natural aging process. 

It’s unclear why some people experience symptoms with AFib while others do not. Some individuals with atrial fibrillation may not have a significantly elevated heart rate, so the symptoms go unnoticed. Asymptomatic AFib is relatively common and can lead to devastating outcomes, often hiding for years and suddenly causing a stroke.

How would I know if I had AFib?

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact your doctor for a further cardiac evaluation. Doctors use an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to diagnose AFib. However, since AFib can come and go, it does not always show up on a routine EKG. Some individuals must wear a Holter monitor or other wearable heart-monitor device for an extended length of time to capture the arrhythmia. 

Can I check for AFib at home? 

While there is no definitive way to check for atrial fibrillation at home, you may be able to detect it by checking your pulse. The best way to take a pulse is as follows: 

  • Find a comfortable place to sit and take a resting pulse.
  • Place your index and middle fingers on the inside of your wrist (at the base of the thumb) on the opposite hand. 
  • Press down lightly and feel for a pulse 
  • Count the beats for 30 seconds and double that number to get the beats per minute.

Your pulse should feel steady and regular, as though it’s beating in rhythm with a drum. If your rhythm seems irregular or if it’s faster than 100 beats per minute, you could have atrial fibrillation. 

If you are having difficulty feeling your pulse, you can try checking your carotid pulse, which is on the side of your neck just under your jawline. If you still have difficulty feeling your pulse, portable monitors are available for home use. 

Will AFib ever go away?

AFib is considered a chronic condition, but there are many instances where individuals can reverse AFib with lifestyle changes. AFib rarely happens for no reason. Identifying the root cause of your atrial fibrillation is essential. AFib can be caused by high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, alcohol, caffeine, and food allergies, among other things. Addressing the cause of your AFib may help to lessen symptoms or even eliminate them. Steps that you can take right now to reduce your risk of AFib include:

  • Eat a 100 Year Heart Diet
  • Eliminate sugar, gluten, and processed foods 
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Do not smoke
  • Watch your caffeine intake
  • Get good quality sleep
  • Reduce stress 
  • Move your body
  • Minimize exposure to toxins
  • Reduce exposure to EMF
  • Spend time in the sun

Next steps

Once the heart experiences atrial fibrillation, it can be difficult, although not impossible, to change course. The best cure for AFib is to prevent it in the first place. It’s never too early (or late!) to take steps to ensure that you achieve your 100 Year Heart. Download this free guide for more info on surprising risk factors for AFib that you might not know about!

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

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As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

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Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

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We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

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Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

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Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

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Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.