What is one common symptom reported by patients with atrial fibrillation?

Patients with atrial fibrillation often report experiencing palpitations or irregular heartbeats as a common symptom. This sensation can feel like the heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats, which is characteristic of the disorganized electrical activity in the atria that defines this condition. Many individuals become aware of these irregularities during daily activities or at rest, which can cause anxiety or concern, leading them to seek medical attention.

Other symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include dizziness, shortness of breath, or fatigue, although palpitations are often the most recognized and distressing for patients. The perception of these irregular heartbeats is a direct result of the rapid and chaotic electrical signals that disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, making it a hallmark symptom of the condition.