Heart Fluttering? Why Your Heart Is in Atrial Fibrillation & Medical Next Steps

If your heart feels like it's fluttering, racing, skipping beats, or beating irregularly, you may be experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib). This common heart rhythm disorder affects millions of people worldwide. While it can sound frightening, atrial fibrillation is treatable—and understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward taking control.

This guide explains what atrial fibrillation is, why it happens, the symptoms to watch for, and what medical next steps you should consider.

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What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Normally, your heart beats in a steady, coordinated way. Electrical signals move in an organized pattern through the heart, causing it to pump blood efficiently.

In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles). Instead of a steady rhythm, the heartbeat becomes irregular and often rapid.

This can:

• Reduce how efficiently your heart pumps blood
• Cause blood to pool in the atria
• Increase the risk of blood clots
• Raise the risk of stroke

AFib can be occasional, persistent, or long-term.

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Why Does Atrial Fibrillation Happen?

There isn't always a single cause. In many cases, atrial fibrillation develops due to changes in the heart's structure or electrical system.

Common Risk Factors Include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve problems
• Heart failure
• Thyroid disorders (especially hyperthyroidism)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Heavy alcohol use
• Smoking
• Advanced age

Sometimes atrial fibrillation occurs in younger, otherwise healthy individuals—this is sometimes called "lone AFib."

Aging is one of the biggest risk factors. The likelihood of atrial fibrillation increases significantly after age 60.

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What Does Atrial Fibrillation Feel Like?

Symptoms vary widely. Some people notice dramatic changes. Others have no symptoms at all and only discover atrial fibrillation during a routine exam.

Common Symptoms:

• Heart fluttering or palpitations
• Racing or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or low energy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort
• Weakness during physical activity

It's important to understand that atrial fibrillation does not always cause pain. Many people describe it as a "butterfly feeling" or "quivering" in the chest.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to better understand whether they could be related to Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a free AI-powered symptom checker can provide personalized insights and help you decide your next steps.

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Is Atrial Fibrillation Dangerous?

Atrial fibrillation itself is usually not immediately life-threatening. However, it can lead to serious complications if untreated.

The Two Main Risks:

1. Stroke

Because blood may pool in the atria during atrial fibrillation, clots can form. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

AFib increases stroke risk by about five times.

2. Heart Failure

If the heart beats too fast for long periods, it can weaken over time and lead to heart failure.

The good news: with proper treatment, these risks can be significantly reduced.

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How Is Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects atrial fibrillation, they will likely order tests such as:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – records your heart's electrical activity
• Holter monitor – wearable device that tracks heart rhythm for 24–48 hours
• Event monitor – longer-term heart monitoring
• Echocardiogram – ultrasound to examine heart structure
• Blood tests to check thyroid function and other conditions

Sometimes AFib comes and goes (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation), which can make diagnosis more challenging. Wearable devices and smartwatches have helped identify irregular heart rhythms earlier, but a formal medical diagnosis is still essential.

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Medical Next Steps: What Happens After Diagnosis?

Treatment for atrial fibrillation focuses on three main goals:

1. Prevent stroke
2. Control heart rate
3. Restore or maintain normal rhythm (when appropriate)

Your treatment plan depends on your age, overall health, symptoms, and stroke risk.

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1. Stroke Prevention (Blood Thinners)

For many people with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant medications ("blood thinners") are prescribed to reduce stroke risk.

These medications do not dissolve clots but prevent new ones from forming.

Your doctor will assess your stroke risk using a standardized scoring system. Not everyone with atrial fibrillation needs lifelong blood thinners—but many do.

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2. Rate Control

Sometimes the goal is not to restore a perfectly normal rhythm but to slow the heart to a safer rate.

Medications used may include:

• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Other heart rate–controlling drugs

This approach is common in older adults or those with minimal symptoms.

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3. Rhythm Control

In other cases, doctors try to restore normal rhythm.

Options include:

• Anti-arrhythmic medications
• Electrical cardioversion (a controlled electric shock under sedation)
• Catheter ablation (a minimally invasive procedure that targets abnormal electrical pathways)

Catheter ablation has become increasingly common and can be very effective, especially in symptomatic patients.

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Lifestyle Changes That Help Atrial Fibrillation

Medical treatment is important, but lifestyle plays a major role.

Steps That Make a Real Difference:

• Control high blood pressure
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol intake
• Stop smoking
• Manage diabetes
• Treat sleep apnea
• Engage in regular, moderate exercise
• Reduce excessive caffeine if it triggers symptoms

Weight loss and blood pressure control alone can significantly reduce AFib episodes in some people.

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When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

Call emergency services or seek urgent care if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Signs of stroke, such as:
  • Sudden weakness on one side
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion
  • Sudden severe headache

These symptoms require immediate medical evaluation.

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Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Cured?

Atrial fibrillation is often a chronic condition. However:

• Some people experience only occasional episodes.
• Some achieve long-term rhythm control after ablation.
• Many manage it successfully with medication.

Even if AFib does not fully "go away," it can often be controlled safely.

The key is consistent medical follow-up.

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Living Well With Atrial Fibrillation

A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation can feel overwhelming. But most people live full, active lives with proper care.

Important reminders:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Keep follow-up appointments
• Report new or worsening symptoms
• Monitor your pulse if advised
• Stay informed about your condition

Early treatment dramatically lowers the risk of serious complications.

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Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore Heart Fluttering

Heart fluttering, racing, or irregular beats should not be dismissed—especially if they happen repeatedly.

While atrial fibrillation is common and manageable, untreated AFib increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. The earlier it's diagnosed, the better your outcome is likely to be.

If you're concerned about your heart symptoms and want immediate guidance, start by using a free online tool to check if your symptoms align with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and learn what actions you should consider taking.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about any symptoms that concern you—especially anything involving chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms. These can be life-threatening and require urgent evaluation.

Atrial fibrillation is serious—but it is also treatable. With the right care, monitoring, and lifestyle changes, you can reduce risks and protect your long-term heart health.