A doctor has shared some of the common symptoms associated with a condition that could explain why many people notice they have a racing heart or chest flutters. Dr Sophie Newton shared the advice on her patient information YouTube channel @DrSophieGP.
Addressing viewers, the GP asked: “Have you ever felt your heart racing, skipping beats or pounding out of rhythm? It might feel like butterflies in your chest or a drum roll that won’t stop. Well, it could just be stress, but it might also be something more serious: Atrial Fibrillation or AF, as we call it. Now, this condition affects about 38 million people worldwide.”
Dr Newton continued: “Atrial Fibrillation is a problem with how your heart beats. So, normally, your heart has a steady, predictable rhythm controlled by electrical signals. So it’s like a ticking of a clock, regular and predictable.
“But when you have Atrial Fibrillation, the rhythm becomes chaotic, like a clock that’s gone haywire, ticking fast and unevenly. The electrical signals cause the upper chambers of the heart called the atria to quiver or twitch instead of pumping regularly.”
The expert explained that the condition can affect how well blood moves around the body. “Some people only have AF from time to time; we call this paroxysmal AF, but for others, it can be permanent,” she added.
According to the NHS, symptoms include:
If you have any health concerns, it is essential you speak to your GP. Dr Newton explained that AF can be diagnosed using tests such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. Once diagnosed, your doctor can explain how best to treat your AF.
Dr Newton said you may be prescribed medications to slow your heart rate and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots from forming. Additionally, if there are any underlying causes, it will be important to address these. In some cases, you might require hospital treatment.
The health expert also shared practical tips for people who have AF or think they may have AF. These include:
She concluded: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s about your medications, your treatments, or what changes you can make. We’re here to help. Atrial Fibrillation might feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can take control and protect your heart health.”
Call 999 immediately if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat and you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, a severe headache, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, numbness on one side of your face or body, or you feel sick.
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