Most people experience an occasional feeling of their heartbeat skipping or fluttering now and then, but when those sensations become frequent or noticeably out of rhythm, your heart may be telling you something important.
Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is the most common type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) in adults, and it's more than an uncomfortable feeling in your chest. When the heart beats irregularly, blood doesn’t circulate properly, which raises your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications.
Detecting heart rhythm issues early is crucial to long-term heart health. Cardiovascular physician Nader Chadda, MD, FACC, FSCAI, leads our team at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates, where our providers are committed to excellence in heart and vascular care, including managing and treating rhythm disorders. If something about your heartbeat feels off, here are five signs worth your attention.
Individuals with AFib often describe it as feeling as if their heart is flip-flopping, pounding, or beating faster than it should. This change in heart rhythm can often occur seemingly out of nowhere. These episodes may last minutes or hours or come and go unpredictably. Even if they stop on their own, recurring spells aren’t normal and need evaluation.
Feeling reasonably tired after a long day isn’t a major concern. However, feeling drained after doing very little is something to notice. When your heart isn’t beating efficiently, your body receives less oxygen-rich blood, which can leave you unusually sluggish, foggy, or wiped out after activities that normally wouldn’t feel challenging.
Various health issues can cause unusual, unexplained fatigue. However, it’s also a common symptom reported by patients with heart issues. It’s important to get checked out if you’re plagued with unexplained fatigue, especially if you have other signs that your heart may be struggling.
Not being able to catch your breath while walking across a room or climbing a few stairs is a significant red flag. AFib can make simple physical activities feel harder because your heart isn’t pumping effectively. As the body’s tissues lack the oxygen they need to function optimally, even light physical exertion can lead to gasping for air.
Irregular heart rhythms can briefly reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to dizziness or that unsettling sense that you might faint. Even mild episodes matter because they’re your body’s early warning system, signaling that something in your heart’s electrical pattern isn’t firing the way it should.
Paying attention to these moments can help you catch atrial fibrillation before it leads to more serious complications.
Chest discomfort related to AFib may feel like pressure, tightness, or simply an awareness of your heartbeat. Not every person with AFib experiences this, but any form of chest discomfort should be taken seriously. It’s your cue to seek an evaluation and get answers.
Ignoring AFib doesn’t make it go away. Left untreated, it increases your risk of stroke as much as fivefold and strains the heart over time. The good news? AFib is highly manageable when caught early.
Dr. Chadda combines advanced diagnostics, vascular expertise, and a patient-first approach to create treatment plans that protect your long-term heart health. His exceptional procedural outcomes help patients feel confident that they’re getting expert, evidence-based care.
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, even intermittently, it’s worth getting evaluated. A simple conversation could clarify what’s happening, ease your concerns, and, most importantly, safeguard your health.
To schedule an appointment with Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates, call our Brooksville or Hudson, Florida, office today, or book online.
