What it is
It becomes more common with age and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, alcohol and sleep apnoea.
Treatment aims to control the heart rate or rhythm and to prevent stroke, usually with blood-thinning medicines. Cardioversion or catheter ablation may be offered to restore a normal rhythm.
Common signs
- A pulse that feels irregular or fast
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness and tiredness
- Dizziness
- Sometimes no symptoms at all
How it is usually diagnosed
- Pulse check
- ECG, or a 24-hour or longer heart monitor if it comes and goes
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests including thyroid function
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ECG and Holter monitor reports
- Echocardiogram reports
- Your anticoagulant name and dose, and any monitoring results
- Procedure notes for cardioversion or ablation
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my risk of stroke, and do I need a blood thinner?
- Should we control the rate or try to restore the rhythm?
- What should I do if I feel an episode starting?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness
- Signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems
- Heavy bleeding while on blood thinners
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.