Which symptoms are commonly associated with atrial fibrillation?

• A. Fever and cough
• B. Leg swelling
• C. Racing heart, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath
• D. Dizziness only

Answer: (C)

Understanding the symptoms that commonly accompany atrial fibrillation helps you recognize how this rhythm disturbance presents in patients. Atrial fibrillation causes the atria to beat irregularly and often rapidly, which typically leads to sensations of a racing or fluttering heart (palpitations) and a feeling that the heart is pounding or skipping beats. The fast and irregular rhythm can also provoke chest discomfort or pain, especially in those with existing heart disease, because the heart’s oxygen needs may outstrip supply during rapid beats. Shortness of breath is common as well, due to reduced cardiac efficiency and potential fluid buildup if the condition affects overall heart function. Fever and cough point more to infections rather than AFib itself, leg swelling is not a primary symptom of AFib though it can be related to heart failure that may accompany it, and dizziness can occur but is not as characteristic on its own. So the cluster of racing heart, palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath best reflects what patients with atrial fibrillation often report.