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The main symptoms of atrial fibrillation are:
Sometimes there are no symptoms, and atrial fibrillation is found as part of a routine check-up or when you're having tests for something else.
If you do get symptoms, they may start and stop on their own (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) or stop after treatment (persistent atrial fibrillation).
Over time, you may always have symptoms (permanent atrial fibrillation).
You currently have a fast or irregular heartbeat, and any of these symptoms:
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
If a GP thinks you could have atrial fibrillation, they will refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
At your appointment, they will ask about your symptoms and check your heart rate.
You will also have tests to see if anything else could be causing your symptoms and to check your heart rhythm. Tests may include:
If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you will have regular check-ups to make sure your symptoms are under control.
You may be given medicine to:
Other possible treatments for atrial fibrillation include:
Sometimes atrial fibrillation can be caused by another health condition or medicine. In these cases, treating the condition or stopping the medicine can improve the symptoms.
In addition to treatment you might need, there are things you can do yourself to help with symptoms of atrial fibrillation and lower the chances of complications.
avoid triggers such as caffeine, spicy food, stress, dehydration and lack of sleep
try to keep to a healthy weight
eat a balanced diet
exercise regularly – aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, like walking, bike riding or gardening
do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol
do not exercise too much or too hard – this can trigger atrial fibrillation
NHS Better Health has free tools and support to help you lose weight, get active, quit smoking and drink less.
Atrial fibrillation is caused by a problem with the electrical system that makes your heart beat.
Anyone can get it, but you may be more likely to get it if:
Atrial fibrillation can also be caused by another condition such as:
There is currently no cure for atrial fibrillation, but treatment should help manage the symptoms and lower the risk of complications like blood clots, stroke and heart failure.
You should be able to carry on doing most things as usual, including exercise. But avoid intense exercise and try not to exercise when you're having symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Check with your doctor if you're not sure what exercise you can do.
If you drive you may need to tell the DVLA that you have atrial fibrillation. Your doctor will be able to tell you if this applies to you.
There might also be other practical things you need to think about if you have a heart condition, like travelling abroad with medicine, and changes to health or travel insurance.
While atrial fibrillation can usually be managed, living with a heart condition can be worrying.
You may find it helpful to get support from other people with atrial fibrillation, either at a local support group or online.
There are also national charities that can offer information, help and support.
Information and support for anyone affected by a heart condition.
Information and support for young people diagnosed with heart conditions and their families.
