What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation occurs mostly because the patient's internal body environment is out of balance, such as high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, etc. Atrial fibrillation of heart disease can affect many functions of the heart and directly harm the patient's health. We should learn more about the symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

There is no unified classification of atrial fibrillation. According to its duration, it can be divided into paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, persistent atrial fibrillation and permanent atrial fibrillation. It is generally believed that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation refers to those that can convert to sinus rhythm on their own within 7 days, and usually lasts less than 48 hours; persistent atrial fibrillation refers to those that last for more than 7 days and require drugs or electric shock to convert to sinus rhythm; permanent atrial fibrillation refers to those that cannot convert to sinus rhythm or recur within 24 hours after conversion. Depending on the presence or absence of underlying heart disease, it is divided into pathological atrial fibrillation and idiopathic atrial fibrillation (no underlying heart disease in clinical examination). Idiopathic atrial fibrillation often occurs in younger people, most of whom are under 50 years old. Idiopathic atrial fibrillation is sometimes also called isolated atrial fibrillation.

Clinical manifestations

1. Palpitations, feeling of rapid heartbeat, accompanied by fatigue or tiredness;

2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting;

3. Chest discomfort: pain, pressure or discomfort in the precordial area;

4. Shortness of breath: Feeling of difficulty breathing during light physical activity or rest. Some patients may not have any symptoms.

During atrial fibrillation, the atria lose their contractile function, and blood easily stagnates in the atria and forms blood clots. After the blood clots break off, they can travel with the blood throughout the body, causing cerebral embolism (stroke), limb artery embolism (severe cases may even require amputation), etc. High-risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation include previous history of embolism, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and left atrial enlargement.