Atrial fibrillation (also known as AFib) is a condition that causes the heartbeat to become rapid or even irregular. There are many risk factors that spur these conditions, such as advanced age, existing heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking, and excess alcohol usage, to name a few. Symptoms of A-Fib may go undiagnosed for quite some time, which can lead to the formation of blood clots, and a stroke.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of AFib:

1. General fatigue
Fatigue can occur due to a number of health conditions or situations (i.e., stress), but with the addition of AFib, fatigue may become chronic and more frequent. This is due to the inability of the heart to fully contract. Instead of fully closing, the heart convulses rapidly, and fatigue sets in as a result of the extra strain on the heart.

2. Rapid heartbeat
A rapid heart rate is also a common symptom of AFib. In fact, the heart may beat nearly double the speed of an average, healthy heart, causing many other symptoms that appear on this list, most commonly fatigue and dizziness. The reason for arrhythmia is the electrical signal from brain to heart.

3. Dizziness
Dizzy spells are an indicator that something is wrong, and professional help is needed. In the case of AFib, the root cause stems from the heart’s inability to pump enough blood, which then leads to a lack of blood reaching the brain. If blood pressure dips too low, the patient may feel as if they’re about to pass out. With dizziness, there may be an underlying cause and if experienced, medical attention should be sought to find that cause immediately.

4. Fluttering
Fluttering is experienced when the heartbeat becomes rapid. This can cause the patient to feel weak. A fluttering heart rhythm is caused by an imbalance in the electrical circuit to the heart. Experiencing this symptom can increase the risk for stroke as the heart pumps slower, and thickened blood can lead to blood clots and an eventual stroke.

5. Weakness
AFib may also cause the heart to weaken; as heart muscles become damaged, leading to further complications, such as blood clotting. The heart may malfunction due to muscle weakness as well. As a result normal daily routines, such as climbing stairs, may become harder.

6. Anxiety
Mental health is important, along with managing physical stress. Heart conditions, like AFib, may develop due to chronic anxiety or anxiety can potentially make AFib symptoms worse, which decreases the patient’s overall quality of life.

7. Shortness of breath
When the heart has trouble pumping blood, the respiratory system can become affected. Shortness of breath is a symptom of AFib and is closely related to fatigue.