Q & A

Recognizing the signs can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

AFib symptoms can include:

• Chest discomfort or pain: a sensation of tightness, pressure or pain in the chest.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: feeling unsteady, woozy or as if you might faint.
• Exercise intolerance: unusual fatigue or difficulty keeping up with normal physical activity.
• Fatigue or weakness: persistent tiredness, even without exertion.
• Heart palpitations: a fluttering, rapid or irregular heartbeat sensation, often described as pounding or skipping beats.
• Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing, especially during activity or while lying down.
• Sweating without exertion: sudden or excessive sweating unrelated to heat or physical activity.

Some people with AFib experience symptoms only occasionally (paroxysmal AFib), while others may have persistent or permanent AFib that requires ongoing management. If you notice any of these symptoms — especially chest pain or fainting — seek medical attention right away to prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

The goal is to confirm the presence of AFib and assess its underlying causes and any related complications.

Diagnosing AFib can include steps like:

• Blood tests: tests to check for underlying issues like thyroid problems or electrolyte imbalances.
• Chest X-ray and stress test: used to evaluate heart and lung function, especially if other heart conditions are suspected.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): this test records your heart’s electrical activity to detect AFib by detecting irregular rhythms.
• Holter monitor: a portable device that continuously tracks your heart's rhythm for 24 to 48 hours if episodes are intermittent.
• Medical history review and physical exam: your doctor will ask about symptoms and check for irregular pulse or abnormal heart sounds.
• Echocardiogram: an ultrasound that examines heart structure and function, looking for underlying causes of AFib.

No matter which diagnostic steps our teams use, rest assured that we’ll work to detect AFib and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

While lifestyle factors and medical conditions often play a significant role in developing AFib, research has shown that genetics can also contribute to an increased risk.

If you have a family history of AFib, you can take proactive steps such as monitoring your heart health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and getting regular checkups. Early detection can help prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

While genetics may play a role, having a family history of AFib does not mean you will develop it. It just means being mindful of your heart health is even more important.

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate): The heart beats too slowly, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute, which can cause fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
• Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat): The heart’s electrical signals become chaotic, causing rapid, uncoordinated beats. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ventricular fibrillation are common types.
• Premature heartbeats (extra or skipped beats): Extra heartbeats that disrupt the normal rhythm, often felt as a fluttering or skipping sensation in the chest.
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate): The heart beats too quickly, usually over 100 beats per minute, which can lead to palpitations, shortness of breath or chest discomfort.

Each type varies in severity and treatment options, but with the right care, many arrhythmias can be effectively managed.

Recognizing the early signs of heart disease can be lifesaving. One of the most common symptoms is chest discomfort, which may feel like pressure, tightness or pain, particularly during physical activity or stress. Some people also experience shortness of breath, making it difficult to perform regular tasks or rest comfortably.

Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet might indicate poor circulation, while unusual fluttering or racing sensations in your chest, known as palpitations, could point to an irregular heartbeat. If you notice these symptoms, it's important that you seek medical attention immediately.

If you have risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, you can still take healthy steps to protect your heart:

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake: These habits can amplify risks but are reversible with changes.
• Eat healthily: Stick to heart-healthy foods that support your heart and limit processed foods.
• Follow your doctor’s advice: Take prescribed medications and attend follow-ups regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even small amounts of weight loss can improve your heart health.
• Stay physically active: Regular physical activity helps manage weight, blood sugar and blood pressure.

By being proactive and making healthy choices, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and lead a healthy life.

If close relatives have had heart disease, particularly at a younger age, your likelihood of developing it may be higher. But remember, genetics are just one piece of the puzzle. You can offset many risks with lifestyle changes like regular exercise and routine preventive cardiology care.

Taking steps to improve your heart health can powerfully impact your overall well-being. The good news is that small, consistent changes can make a big difference:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats like fish or nuts. Reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat intake to protect your heart.
• Get regular checkups: Work with your doctor to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and other key indicators of heart health.
• Manage stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing or meditation into your routine to support your heart and mental health.
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best ways to improve your heart health and reduce risks.
• Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or cycling, most days of the week. To make this habit sustainable, find activities you enjoy.