Condition
Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter
Atrial fibrillation (sometimes called flutter) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) and affects up to 500,000 people in the UK.*
During atrial fibrillation irregular signals within the upper chambers of your heart (called the atria) cause the area to expand and contract randomly and too rapidly. This means your heart does not fully relax between beats.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can include:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
However, some patients experience no symptoms at all.
If you notice an irregular heartbeat you should seek medical treatment immediately. You GP may refer you to a specialist consultant for further tests and treatment.
*Source: NHS Choices