Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on your heart function and overall health. Some people may not notice any symptoms.

Symptoms include:

Irregular or rapid pulse or heart beat
Racing feeling in the chest
Palpitations, or a pounding feeling in the chest
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Sweating
Pain or pressure in the chest
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or weakness
Exercise intolerance

Diagnosis

The doctor will:

Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Perform a physical exam
Listen to your heart with a stethoscope

Tests may include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) —a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
24-hour holter monitoring—wearing a heart monitor that records the heart rhythm for 24-hours
Echocardiogram —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
Coronary angiography —x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the coronary arteries
Chest x-ray —to look for underlying conditions
Blood tests—to look for underlying conditions

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.