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Aug 1, 2025 7 mins read

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): What to Know

Learn what atrial fibrillation (AFib) is, its symptoms, risks and how to manage this common heart rhythm disorder to prevent complications.
If you experience unusual heart symptoms or receive an atrial fibrillation (AFib) diagnosis, turning to the internet for information is a natural first step. It's a great way to start learning. However, with so many sources available, it's easy to get overwhelmed by conflicting information or struggle to understand complex terms. That's why clear, accurate and reliable information is so important. So, what exactly is AFib, and how can you tell if what you're feeling is something more serious than just a skipped beat? Let's clarify some common questions and concerns and get to the heart of the matter.

Understanding the Early Warning Signs: Is it AFib or Just Palpitations?

Many people experience occasional heart flutters. It's a common sensation, and often harmless. But how do you tell if what you're feeling might be something more serious, like atrial fibrillation (AFib)? Knowing the difference is crucial for your health.

Key symptoms include:

  • Irregular heartbeat: This is the hallmark of AFib. Your heart may feel like it's skipping beats, fluttering or beating unevenly.
  • Racing heart: Your heart rate may suddenly increase, even when you're at rest.
  • Shortness of breath: You might feel like you can't catch your breath, even with minimal exertion.
  • Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or faintness.
  • Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or weakness.

Recognizing the early warning signs of AFib is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about common symptoms, risk factors and discover how Dignity Health helps patients manage this condition in our article on KCRA 3: “Chest Pain or Trouble Breathing? It Could Be Atrial Fibrillation.”

While occasional heart palpitations are often harmless, frequent or persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath or loss of consciousness along with any of the above symptoms, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious heart condition.

The Hidden Dangers of Untreated AFib: It's More Than Just Skipping a Beat

AFib isn't just uncomfortable; it can lead to serious complications if left unmanaged. Ignoring AFib can have significant consequences for your long-term health:

  • Stroke risk: According to the American Heart Association (AHA), people with AFib are at a 5x greater risk of stroke. When the heart beats irregularly, it doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as it should. This causes blood to pool in the chambers of the heart where it can form clots. If a clot breaks loose and travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and lead to a stroke. This is why blood thinners are sometimes prescribed for AFib patients.

  • Heart failure: AFib is associated with a 3x increased risk of heart failure, according to the AHA. Over time, the rapid, irregular heartbeats can strain the heart muscle making it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

  • Other potential issues: Chronic fatigue, decreased quality of life and an increased risk of other heart-related complications.

Learn more by reading our article, “Atrial Fibrillation, a Common Heart Arrhythmia, Can Be Serious. Here’s What You Need to Know” on KCRA 3.

Decoding AFib Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Doctor's Office

Taking the first step to address your heart health can be daunting, but understanding the diagnostic process can ease your anxiety. Here's a breakdown of common tests you may expect at your healthcare provider's office when being evaluated for AFib:

  • ECG (electrocardiogram): This is a quick and painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It can detect irregular heart rhythms like AFib.

  • Holter monitor: This is a portable ECG device that you wear for 24-48 hours. It continuously records your heart's electrical activity, allowing your healthcare provider to detect AFib episodes that may not occur during a standard ECG.

  • Event recorders: These are similar to Holter monitors but are worn for longer periods (weeks or even months). They're activated when you experience symptoms, allowing you to record your heart's activity during an episode.

These tests help your healthcare provider determine if you have AFib, how often it occurs and how severe it is. An accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Dignity Health utilizes a range of diagnostic technologies to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses for our patients.

Beyond Medications: Lifestyle Changes That Can Impact AFib Management

Medication is often crucial for managing AFib, but lifestyle choices can play a significant role in improving overall heart health and reducing the frequency and severity of AFib episodes.

  • Diet: Emphasize a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and unhealthy fats. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks is also important.

  • Exercise: The right type and amount of physical activity can benefit AFib patients. Talk to your healthcare provider about a safe and effective exercise plan. Moderate-intensity activities like walking, swimming and cycling are often recommended.

  • Stress reduction: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and lower your heart rate. Chronic stress can trigger AFib episodes.

  • Avoiding triggers: Common culprits include excessive alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help manage AFib.

  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of AFib and improve its management.

Dignity Health offers resources and support to help patients adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Our team of healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance on diet, exercise and stress management.

Video: AFib 101 – An Overview

To make learning about AFib even more accessible, Dignity Health has created an informative video covering key aspects of the condition.

Watch AFib video

AFib Treatment Options

Once diagnosed with AFib, understanding your treatment options is essential. The goal of AFib treatment is to restore normal rhythm, control heart rate and prevent complications like stroke. Dignity Health in California offers a wide range of AFib treatment options, from medications to advanced procedures. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

Here's a high-level overview of common AFib treatment approaches:

Medications:

  • Blood thinners or anticoagulants help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.
  • Rate control drugs help slow down the heart rate during AFib episodes.
  • Rhythm control drugs help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
Cardioversion: During this procedure, your doctor delivers a gentle, controlled electric shock to your heart to “reset” it, helping it return to a healthy, steady beat.

Catheter Ablation: This minimally invasive treatment uses catheters or thin, flexible tubes, to deliver energy and create tiny scars to the heart tissue that is causing the irregular heartbeats.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA): This innovative, minimally invasive procedure uses pulsed electrical fields to selectively target and eliminate the heart cells causing AFib.

Overview | Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) for AFib

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a treatment option for AFib, and Dignity Health is proud to be at the forefront of this innovative technology as one of California’s first health systems to offer this procedure. To learn more about how PFA is performed, watch this short video.

Dignity Health: Your Partner in Cardiovascular Health

At Dignity Health in California, we are dedicated to providing specialized cardiac care. If you are experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or have been diagnosed with this condition, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine if a referral to a cardiologist is recommended. Find a Dignity Health cardiologist near you today and take the first step towards better heart health.

The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Dignity Health does not endorse any specific treatments, procedures or products mentioned in this article. The availability of specific services may vary by location. Contact your local Dignity Health facility for more information.