Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): What It Is, Signs, Symptoms and What You Can Do

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

AFib symptoms vary from person to person. Some experience no symptoms, while others notice changes that interfere with everyday living. Here are the key indicators:

• Fluttering or “flip-flop” feeling in the chest
• Rapid heartbeat or pounding
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue, even with minimal effort
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety or a sense of impending doom
• Fainting spells (in severe cases)



Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

This condition doesn’t usually have a single cause—it often arises from a mix of lifestyle factors, underlying medical conditions, and age-related changes in the heart. Here's a breakdown of the common contributors:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): One of the leading triggers of AFib. Constant pressure strains the heart’s walls and chambers, increasing the likelihood of rhythm disturbances.
  
  
• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blocked or narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to tissue damage that can disrupt normal electrical signals.
  
  
• Heart valve disorders: Conditions like mitral valve disease can alter blood flow through the heart, promoting irregular rhythms.
  
  
• Congestive heart failure: A weakened heart can’t pump effectively, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation.
  
  
• Previous heart surgery: Procedures like valve replacement or bypass surgery can sometimes irritate the heart and lead to AFib.
  
  
• Sleep apnoea: Interrupted breathing during sleep causes fluctuating oxygen levels, which can stress the heart and lead to AFib.
  
  
• Diabetes: This chronic condition often co-exists with other AFib risk factors, including obesity and hypertension.
  
  
• Thyroid disorders: Overactive or underactive thyroid glands can alter heart rate and rhythm.
  
  
• Lung diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia can affect oxygen supply and heart function.
  
  
• Infections and inflammation: Conditions such as pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s lining) may provoke AFib episodes.
  
  
• Excessive alcohol intake: Known as ‘holiday heart syndrome’, heavy drinking—especially binge episodes—can disrupt heart rhythm.
  
  
• Stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications or recreational drugs may increase the likelihood of AFib.
  
  
• Obesity: Added strain on the heart and increased risk of related conditions make obesity a significant risk factor.
  
  
• Stress and poor sleep: Emotional and physical stress can alter the body's electrical signalling, tipping the heart into AFib.
  
  
• Ageing: The risk of AFib increases significantly with age. Structural changes to the heart’s tissue and electrical pathways naturally occur over time, particularly after age 65.

Sometimes, it appears without a clear cause—what doctors call “lone AFib.”

How Is Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin by asking about your daily habits, symptoms, health history, and your family’s medical background. Then, they’ll do a check-up to listen to your heartbeat, take your pulse and blood pressure, check your thyroid, look for swelling in your legs, and listen to your lungs for any signs of fluid or infection. These findings help form a comprehensive view of your overall health and guide the next steps in diagnosis.

This groundwork helps spot the broader picture before zeroing in on the heart. To confirm AFib, several tests might be used:

• Blood Work: Assesses thyroid levels, potassium balance, and organ function.
• Chest X-ray: Looks at your heart and lungs to rule out other conditions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): Measures your heart’s electrical signals in real time.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): A heart ultrasound showing blood flow and detecting clots.
• Loop recorder: A tiny device placed under the skin to monitor long-term heart patterns.
• Event monitor: A portable device that tracks heart rhythm over weeks, especially during symptoms.
• Holter monitor: A small device worn for a day or more to capture heart activity continuously.
• Exercise test: Measures how your heart responds during physical effort.



Risks Associated with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Unlike a sprained ankle or a headache, AFib doesn’t always scream for your attention. It may simmer silently or feel like mild palpitations. When left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including:

1. Stroke - It can cause blood to pool in the atria, especially the left atrial appendage. This pooled blood may form clots that travel to the brain, causing a stroke. People with AFib have up to a fivefold higher risk of stroke than those without it.
2. Heart Failure - When the heart beats irregularly, it struggles to pump blood efficiently. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure, which impairs circulation to vital organs.
3. Cognitive Decline and Dementia - Reduced blood flow to the brain may contribute to long-term cognitive issues, including vascular dementia and other forms of mental decline.
4. Decreased Quality of Life - Persistent symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness can limit physical activity and negatively impact day-to-day well-being.



How Can You Lower Your Risk of AFib?

Lowering your risk of atrial fibrillation—or managing it more effectively if you already have it—starts with daily habits that support your heart. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay active with regular exercise suited to your ability and fitness level.
• Eat heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive salt, saturated fats, and processed snacks.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine as both can trigger irregular heartbeats in some people.
• Avoid smoking, which damages your blood vessels and raises your risk of heart conditions.
• Manage stress through breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or simply taking time to unwind each day.
• Get good sleep, aiming for consistent, quality rest each night.
• Keep up with medical appointments and take any prescribed medications as directed.

Early detection changes everything. The INS LifeGuardian® offers remote monitoring, 24/7 nurse-on-call emergency response, and health alerts that can help identify signs of AFib and manage chronic conditions before they escalate. Discover how thousands of Australians are using INS LifeGuardian® to stay safer, feel supported, and live with confidence.



Final Thoughts

So maybe you’ve been feeling off or maybe you’re reading this for someone else. Whatever brought you here, don’t leave without doing something. You can take back control and protect your future by understanding the risks, recognising the signs, and embracing heart-healthy habits.