Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms in Older Adults: When to Seek Help

Your heart has kept a steady rhythm for decades. Then one day, you notice it's beating differently — fluttering, racing, or skipping beats in a way that feels wrong. You might feel lightheaded, exhausted for no clear reason, or maybe you don't feel anything at all until a routine checkup reveals something unexpected.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder, and your risk increases significantly as you age. By age 80, roughly one in ten people will develop this condition. While that might sound alarming, understanding what AFib looks and feels like — and knowing when those symptoms require urgent attention — helps you take control of your heart health.

This isn't about adding to your worries. It's about giving you the information you need to recognize the signs, understand what's happening in your body, and know exactly when to pick up the phone.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Understanding the basics

In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) quiver or twitch rapidly instead of contracting properly. This creates an irregular heartbeat that can feel like your heart is racing, skipping, or doing flip-flops in your chest. Instead of the normal "lub-dub" pattern at 60 to 100 beats per minute, your heart might race up to 120 or even 200 beats per minute.

The problem isn't just the uncomfortable sensation. When your heart doesn't contract properly, blood can pool in the atria and form clots. These clots can travel to your brain and cause a stroke, which is why AFib is such a serious concern for older adults.

Doctors classify AFib into different types based on how often it occurs and how long episodes last. Paroxysmal AFib comes and goes on its own, usually lasting less than a week. Persistent AFib continues for more than a week and needs treatment to stop. Long-standing persistent AFib lasts for a year or longer. And permanent AFib is when you and your doctor decide to stop trying to restore normal rhythm and instead focus on managing your heart rate.

Why older adults face higher risk

Age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing AFib. The numbers tell a clear story: only about 0.3% of people in their 40s have AFib, but this jumps to 5-9% for those between 60 and 80, and reaches approximately 10% of people over 80.

What's happening inside your heart? As you age, your heart's structure changes. The electrical system that keeps your heartbeat steady can deteriorate. Fibrous tissue builds up between heart muscle cells. The walls of the atria can thicken and stiffen. These changes make it easier for AFib to develop and harder to control once it starts.

But aging isn't the only factor. The longer you live, the more time other conditions have to develop and contribute to AFib. Decades of high blood pressure can change your heart's structure. Years of diabetes can damage your cardiovascular system. Heart disease, valve problems, and other conditions accumulate over time, each adding to your AFib risk. For each year of age, your odds of developing AFib increase by about 4.5%.

Common Symptoms in Older Adults

The challenge of recognizing AFib

Here's something that catches many older adults off guard: AFib symptoms can actually become less noticeable over time, especially during longer episodes of irregular heartbeat. Your body can adapt to the abnormal rhythm, making it harder to recognize something's wrong. Some people first learn they have AFib during a routine checkup when their doctor notices an irregular pulse.

The symptoms also vary dramatically from person to person. Some people can't get out of bed when they're having an episode. Others barely notice anything unusual. And many older adults — up to 50% — have what doctors call "silent" AFib with no symptoms at all.

Heart-related symptoms

The most common symptom is palpitations — that uncomfortable awareness of your heartbeat. It might feel like your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, or doing flip-flops. Some people describe it as feeling like their heart skips a beat or pauses for a moment before continuing.

You might also feel chest discomfort, pressure, or pain. This happens because your heart isn't pumping efficiently when it's in AFib. The chest sensations can be similar to heart attack symptoms, which is why it's important to take them seriously.

Your heart rate during AFib can surge much higher than normal. Instead of 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest, you might hit 120 to 200 beats per minute. This rapid rate isn't sustainable and can weaken your heart muscle over time.

Physical symptoms throughout the body

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints. When your heart isn't pumping blood effectively, the rest of your body doesn't get enough oxygen. You might feel tired even when you're resting or find that simple activities exhaust you more than they used to.

Shortness of breath often accompanies AFib, especially during physical activity but sometimes even at rest. You might find yourself breathing harder when climbing stairs or walking short distances. Some people wake up at night feeling short of breath.

Dizziness and lightheadedness happen because your brain isn't getting enough blood. These symptoms can range from mild and fleeting to severe episodes that make you feel like you might faint. Some people do lose consciousness, though this is less common.

The silent AFib problem

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of AFib in older adults is that 30-50% of people have no symptoms. They don't feel the irregular heartbeat. They don't notice fatigue or shortness of breath. Their body has adapted to the abnormal rhythm, or their other health conditions mask the AFib symptoms.

Silent AFib is just as dangerous as symptomatic AFib. Your stroke risk is the same whether you feel the irregular heartbeat or not. That's why regular checkups with an electrocardiogram become so important as you age, even when you feel fine.

Risk Factors That Increase With Age

Cardiovascular conditions

High blood pressure tops the list of AFib risk factors. It's both the most common and the most controllable. Poorly controlled hypertension increases your AFib risk and also makes stroke more likely if you develop AFib. That's a double threat worth taking seriously.

Coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valve disease all significantly increase AFib risk. If you've had a heart attack in the past, your chances of developing AFib are higher. Heart valve problems change blood flow patterns and can trigger irregular rhythms.

Other chronic conditions

Type 2 diabetes becomes more common as we age and substantially increases AFib risk. The relationship works both ways — diabetes raises your AFib risk, and having both conditions together dramatically increases your stroke risk.

Chronic kidney disease often goes hand-in-hand with AFib in older adults. As kidney function declines, it affects how your heart works and how well medications work in your body.

Thyroid problems, especially an overactive thyroid, can trigger AFib. Sleep apnea is another major risk factor that becomes more common with age. When you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep, it stresses your heart and increases AFib risk.

Chronic lung diseases like COPD affect your heart's function and increase the likelihood of developing irregular heart rhythms.

Lifestyle and modifiable factors

Obesity plays a significant role in AFib development. Higher body weight increases your risk, and in people who already have AFib, excess weight makes the condition more likely to progress. Losing weight if you're overweight can actually improve AFib symptoms and outcomes.

Heavy alcohol use consistently shows up as a risk factor for both developing AFib and having recurrent episodes. Even moderate drinking can trigger episodes in some people.

Physical inactivity contributes to many of the conditions that increase AFib risk, including obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. While strenuous endurance exercise in young athletes can increase AFib risk, moderate regular activity helps older adults.

Age-related changes

Beyond specific diseases, aging itself changes your heart in ways that promote AFib. The heart tissue accumulates fibrous material. The electrical pathways that coordinate your heartbeat deteriorate. The chambers of your heart can enlarge or thicken.

These changes happen gradually over decades. Combined with years of exposure to risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, they create the perfect conditions for AFib to develop. That's why the prevalence increases so dramatically from your 60s to your 80s.

Serious Complications to Understand

Stroke risk

This is the complication that keeps cardiologists up at night. AFib increases your stroke risk by approximately five times compared to people without AFib. The numbers are particularly striking for older adults.

Studies show that nearly 8 out of 100 women aged 70 with AFib had a stroke within five years, compared to about 3 out of 100 women the same age without AFib. For men aged 70, about 7 in 100 with AFib had a stroke within five years, versus 5 in 100 without AFib.

The strokes associated with AFib tend to be more severe than other types of strokes. When a clot forms in your heart and travels to your brain, it can block a major artery and cause significant damage. This is why stroke prevention through anticoagulation therapy is so critical for people with AFib.

Heart failure and other cardiac complications

When your heart beats irregularly and rapidly for extended periods, it can weaken the heart muscle. This can lead to heart failure, where your heart can't pump blood effectively enough to meet your body's needs.

The relationship between AFib and heart failure is bidirectional. AFib can cause heart failure, and heart failure can trigger AFib. Having both conditions together significantly worsens your prognosis and quality of life.

People with AFib also face increased risk of heart attack. The mortality rates for older adults with AFib are sobering. Men between ages 55-74 with AFib have a 61.5% death rate within 10 years of diagnosis, compared to 30% for those without AFib. Women in the same age range with AFib had a 10-year death rate of 57.6% versus 20.9% without AFib.

Quality of life impacts

Beyond the life-threatening complications, AFib affects your daily life. Reduced physical performance and exercise tolerance mean you might not be able to do activities you enjoy. Fatigue can be debilitating, making even simple tasks feel exhausting.

There's growing evidence that AFib increases the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly in people who've had strokes. Mood disorders and anxiety are common, both from dealing with the condition and from the physical effects of irregular heart rhythm.

Some older adults with AFib experience significant disability and loss of independence. The combination of symptoms, complications, and treatment side effects can make it difficult to live independently.

When to Call 911 Immediately

Some AFib symptoms require emergency care. Don't wait. Don't drive yourself. Call 911 right away if you experience any of these warning signs.

Stroke symptoms (remember FAST)

• Face drooping or numbness on one side — If one side of your face feels numb or droops when you try to smile, this is a medical emergency.
• Arm weakness or numbness, especially on one side — If one arm feels weak or numb, or drifts downward when you try to raise both arms, call 911.
• Speech difficulty, slurred words, or confusion — Trouble speaking, understanding others, or sudden confusion are all stroke warning signs.
• Time to call 911 — Time matters critically with stroke. Every minute counts. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve.

Other stroke symptoms include sudden vision changes, severe headache unlike any you've had before, and sudden problems with walking or balance.

Heart attack symptoms

Severe chest pain or pressure lasting more than 5-10 minutes needs emergency evaluation. If the pain spreads to your back, neck, jaw, arms, or upper belly, that's especially concerning.

Chest pain combined with sweating, nausea, or severe shortness of breath could indicate a heart attack. AFib can cause chest discomfort, but if the pain is severe and persistent, don't assume it's just your AFib acting up.

Other emergency situations

Loss of consciousness or fainting requires immediate medical attention. If you pass out or feel like you're about to pass out, call 911.

Severe shortness of breath at rest, especially if it comes on suddenly, needs emergency evaluation. This could signal heart failure or another serious complication.

Sudden severe lightheadedness or weakness, especially if you feel cold and clammy, requires immediate care. A heart rate that won't come down despite resting also warrants an emergency room visit.

When to Contact Your Doctor (Non-Emergency)

Not every AFib symptom requires a 911 call, but many situations need medical attention within hours or days rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.

First-time symptoms

If you're experiencing heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or other AFib symptoms for the first time, you should get evaluated even if the symptoms resolve on their own. Your doctor needs to determine whether you have AFib or another heart rhythm problem and assess your stroke risk.

A first-time AFib episode isn't always a reason to panic, but it is a reason to see your doctor soon. They'll likely order an electrocardiogram and possibly other tests to rule out underlying conditions and establish a treatment plan.

Persistent episodes

If you've been in AFib for 24-48 hours without relief, contact your doctor. The longer you stay in AFib, the harder it becomes to restore normal rhythm, and your stroke risk increases.

For people with diagnosed AFib, your doctor should give you an individualized action plan that tells you when to call based on your specific situation. If your symptoms are different from your usual pattern or more severe than normal, reach out even if it hasn't been 24 hours yet.

New or worsening symptoms

Fatigue that's getting progressively worse, new shortness of breath during daily activities, increased dizziness or lightheadedness — these changes in your symptom pattern deserve medical attention.

Any concerning changes in how you feel should prompt a call to your doctor. You know your body best. If something feels wrong or different, trust that instinct and get it checked out.

For diagnosed patients

If you already have diagnosed AFib, follow the action plan your doctor created for you. This plan should spell out what to do when symptoms occur, when to take extra medication if prescribed, and when to seek medical care.

If your usual management strategies aren't working — your symptoms don't respond to your "pill in the pocket" medication, for instance — that's a reason to contact your doctor right away. Never make changes to your medications, especially blood thinners, without talking to your healthcare team first.

How AFib Is Diagnosed in Older Adults

Initial evaluation

The diagnostic process usually starts with your primary care doctor or cardiologist listening to your heartbeat with a stethoscope. An irregular heart rhythm caught during a physical exam often leads to further testing.

Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, when they occur, how long they last, and what triggers them. They'll review your complete medical history, paying special attention to conditions that increase AFib risk like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or sleep apnea.

Diagnostic tests

The gold standard for diagnosing AFib is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This simple 10-minute test records your heart's electrical activity and can show if you're in AFib at that moment. The characteristic irregular pattern of AFib is easily identified on an ECG.

But AFib can be tricky. If you have paroxysmal AFib that comes and goes, a single ECG might miss it. That's where continuous monitoring comes in. Your doctor might have you wear a Holter monitor for 24 to 48 hours, or an event monitor for 30 days or longer. These devices record your heart rhythm continuously or when you feel symptoms.

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create pictures of your heart. It shows your heart's structure, how well the chambers are pumping, whether there are valve problems, and if there's any enlargement. This information helps your doctor understand what might be causing your AFib and plan treatment.

Blood tests check for thyroid problems, kidney function, electrolyte imbalances, and other conditions that could contribute to AFib or affect treatment choices.

Risk assessment tools

Your doctor will calculate your stroke risk using scoring systems. The CHA2DS2-VASc score considers factors like age, sex, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, prior stroke or TIA, vascular disease, and diabetes. This score helps determine whether you need anticoagulation therapy.

The HAS-BLED score assesses your bleeding risk from anticoagulation. It considers factors like high blood pressure, liver and kidney function, stroke history, bleeding history, unstable INR levels, age over 65, and medication or alcohol use.

These scores help your doctor balance the risk of stroke against the risk of serious bleeding from blood thinners. For most older adults with AFib, the stroke risk outweighs the bleeding risk, making anticoagulation worthwhile.

Treatment Considerations for Older Adults

Goals of treatment

Treatment for AFib in older adults focuses on several key goals. Preventing stroke is the top priority — it's the most dangerous complication and the most preventable with proper treatment. Managing your heart rate comes next, keeping it in a range that doesn't strain your heart. Controlling symptoms improves your quality of life and daily function. And reducing hospitalization risk helps you stay independent.

Anticoagulation therapy

For most older adults with AFib, preventing blood clots and strokes requires anticoagulation therapy — blood-thinning medication. This is the single most important treatment because it's the only one proven to reduce mortality.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran have largely replaced warfarin for most patients. DOACs are more convenient (no regular blood tests needed), have fewer food interactions, and in studies show similar or better stroke prevention with less bleeding compared to warfarin.

For some patients who can't tolerate anticoagulation or have very high bleeding risk, there's a procedure called left atrial appendage closure. A device like WATCHMAN can be inserted to close off the part of the heart where most clots form, reducing stroke risk without ongoing blood thinners.

The challenge in older adults is balancing stroke prevention against bleeding risk. Age itself is a risk factor for both stroke and bleeding. Falls are more common in older adults, raising concerns about bleeding. But studies consistently show that for most older adults with AFib, even those at high risk for falls, the benefits of anticoagulation outweigh the risks.

Rate vs. rhythm control

There are two main approaches to managing the irregular heartbeat itself: rate control and rhythm control.

Rate control is most common for older adults. The goal isn't to restore normal rhythm but to keep your heart rate in a target range, usually 80-110 beats per minute at rest. Beta-blockers like metoprolol or calcium channel blockers like diltiazem slow your heart rate and are generally well-tolerated in older adults.

Rhythm control attempts to restore and maintain normal heart rhythm. Antiarrhythmic drugs can do this, but they have more side effects and can be risky in older adults. The drugs themselves can cause dangerous heart rhythms. Studies show higher rates of adverse events with antiarrhythmic drugs in elderly patients.

That said, some older adults still benefit from rhythm control, particularly if they're highly symptomatic and rate control hasn't helped enough.

Procedural options

Catheter ablation is a procedure that uses heat or cold energy to destroy the heart tissue causing the irregular electrical signals. It's becoming safer for older adults as techniques improve, though it still carries more risk than in younger patients.

For patients with AFib that can't be controlled any other way, there's the option of pacemaker implantation combined with AV node ablation. This creates a controlled regular heart rate, but it's considered a last resort because you become permanently dependent on the pacemaker.

Unique challenges in older adults

Managing AFib in older adults involves navigating several special concerns. Many older adults take multiple medications already, and adding AFib medications increases the risk of drug interactions and side effects.

Falls are a major concern when you're taking blood thinners. A serious fall could lead to bleeding in the brain or elsewhere. But research shows that the stroke risk from untreated AFib generally exceeds the bleeding risk even in people with fall risk.

Kidney function often declines with age, affecting how medications are processed and which ones are safe to use. Some blood thinners require dose adjustments based on kidney function.

Frailty — that combination of weakness, slow walking speed, exhaustion, low activity, and unintentional weight loss — complicates treatment decisions. Frail older adults may not tolerate medications or procedures as well, requiring more careful monitoring and sometimes different treatment choices.

Cognitive impairment makes medication management challenging. Taking blood thinners requires consistency, avoiding certain foods and medications, and recognizing signs of bleeding. If you have memory problems, you'll need extra support with medication management.

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Living Well With AFib as You Age

Lifestyle modifications that matter

Some lifestyle changes can significantly impact your AFib. Weight loss is one of the most powerful interventions if you're overweight. Studies show that losing weight reduces AFib burden and symptoms, improves the success rate of treatments, and may even prevent AFib from progressing.

Alcohol is a consistent trigger for AFib episodes. Even moderate drinking can provoke AFib in some people. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can decrease AFib recurrence.

If you have sleep apnea, treating it is crucial. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or other sleep apnea treatments can reduce AFib episodes and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Staying physically active helps control many of the risk factors for AFib, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Talk with your doctor about what level and type of exercise is safe for you. Moderate regular activity is usually beneficial, though you might need to avoid extreme exertion.

Stress management and adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly) also play roles in managing AFib. Some people find that stress, lack of sleep, or caffeine trigger their symptoms.

Managing other health conditions

Tight blood pressure control is essential. Your target blood pressure should be well-controlled to reduce both AFib frequency and stroke risk.

If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels carefully helps reduce cardiovascular complications. Work with your healthcare team to keep your diabetes under control.

Treating thyroid problems, managing heart failure, and addressing any other chronic conditions all contribute to better AFib outcomes.

Monitoring and self-care

Learning to check your pulse can help you recognize when you're in AFib. Place two fingers on the inside of your wrist, in line with your thumb. Count the beats for 60 seconds. A normal pulse is regular and between 60-100 beats per minute. With AFib, you'll notice an irregular pattern.

Keeping a symptom diary helps you and your doctor identify patterns and triggers. Note when symptoms occur, what you were doing, how long they lasted, and how severe they were.

Your doctor should work with you to create an individualized action plan. This plan spells out what to do when you have symptoms, when to take extra medication if prescribed, and when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room.

The importance of coordination

Regular follow-ups with your care team are crucial. You'll likely see both a primary care provider and a cardiologist. Some people also need to see an electrophysiologist (a heart rhythm specialist).

Communication between all your doctors is essential but doesn't always happen automatically. Make sure each doctor knows what the others are prescribing. Bring an updated medication list to every appointment.

Medication management becomes more complex with AFib. Blood thinners can interact with many other medications, including common ones like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain antibiotics. Always ask before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Preventing infections that can trigger AFib episodes is important too. Stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines.

How a Solace Health Advocate Can Help

Living with atrial fibrillation means managing a complex condition that touches every part of your healthcare. You're juggling cardiology appointments, primary care visits, medication schedules, and maybe seeing other specialists for diabetes, sleep apnea, or kidney issues. Everyone needs to be on the same page, but making that happen shouldn't fall entirely on you.

This is where having a dedicated advocate makes a real difference. Your Solace advocate stays with you through the entire journey — not just for one appointment or one crisis, but as your single point of contact across all your AFib care.

Before appointments: We help you prepare the right questions, gather your symptoms and concerns, and make sure nothing gets forgotten when you're face-to-face with your doctor. If you've been tracking your heart rate or symptoms in a diary, we help you organize that information in a way that's useful to your cardiologist.

During care transitions: We track referrals when your primary care doctor sends you to a cardiologist or electrophysiologist. We follow up on test results — those ECGs, echocardiograms, and Holter monitor reports. We make sure information flows between your cardiologist, primary care doctor, and any other specialists involved in your treatment. When you're being prescribed a new medication, we check that all your providers know about it.

Medication management: Anticoagulation therapy requires careful coordination. We help track your blood thinner schedule, monitor for interactions with your other medications, and serve as a bridge between your different providers to keep your medication plan safe and effective. If you're having side effects or concerned about bleeding risk, we help you communicate those concerns to the right doctor.

When things get complicated: We translate medical jargon into plain language. When your doctor talks about CHA2DS2-VASc scores or discusses rate control versus rhythm control strategies, we make sure you understand what those options mean for your daily life. If you're worried about a symptom or unsure whether you need to go to the ER, we're here to talk it through and help you make the right decision.

Addressing barriers to care: If your blood thinner is too expensive, we work on finding assistance programs or alternatives. If you're struggling to get to appointments because of transportation issues, we help problem-solve. If test results are taking too long or referrals aren't going through, we follow up and push for answers.

Your advocate knows your full story because they're the one person who's been there from the start. You're not explaining your situation over and over to different people — you have someone who already gets it and is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions about Atrial Fibrillation

Can atrial fibrillation go away on its own in older adults?

Some episodes of paroxysmal AFib resolve without treatment, but the condition itself typically doesn't disappear permanently, especially in older adults. Even if symptoms come and go, the underlying risk factors remain, and AFib often progresses over time. Your heart undergoes structural and electrical changes that make it easier for AFib to occur and harder to control once it starts. Proper treatment can help manage episodes and prevent complications, but most older adults with AFib will have it for life. The focus should be on controlling the condition and preventing strokes rather than expecting it to go away on its own.

Is it normal to have no symptoms with AFib when you're older?

Yes, silent AFib is actually quite common in older adults — up to 50% experience no symptoms at all. This happens for several reasons. Symptoms may lessen during longer periods of irregular heartbeat. Your body can adapt to the abnormal rhythm over time. Other health conditions might mask the symptoms. Or your nervous system's response to the irregular rhythm might be blunted by age. Unfortunately, silent AFib carries the same stroke risk as symptomatic AFib. This is why routine checkups with electrocardiograms are so important as you age, even when you feel fine. Many people only discover they have AFib during a routine physical exam.

How serious is AFib if I'm over 75 years old?

AFib is more serious in older adults because both stroke risk and treatment complications increase with age. Without treatment, older adults with AFib face significantly higher risks of stroke, heart failure, cognitive decline, and death compared to those without AFib. However, with proper treatment — especially anticoagulation therapy to prevent strokes — many older adults manage AFib successfully and live full lives. Studies show that appropriate treatment significantly reduces stroke risk and improves outcomes, even in people over 80. Age alone shouldn't prevent you from receiving proper AFib treatment. The key is working with your healthcare team to find the right balance of therapies that work for your specific situation.

Should I go to the emergency room every time I feel my heart flutter?

Not necessarily. If you've been diagnosed with AFib and have an action plan from your doctor, follow those guidelines first. Many people with known AFib can manage occasional episodes at home using strategies their doctor has prescribed. However, you should seek emergency care for first-time symptoms, chest pain that lasts more than 5-10 minutes, any stroke signs (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), severe shortness of breath, fainting or near-fainting, or episodes lasting over 24-48 hours that don't improve. When in doubt, it's always better to get checked out. That uncomfortable feeling could be AFib, or it could be something else equally serious.

Can I still exercise if I have atrial fibrillation in my 70s or 80s?

Yes, staying physically active is actually beneficial for managing AFib, but you should work with your doctor to determine what level and type of exercise is safe for you. Moderate activity can help control risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity that contribute to AFib. Regular exercise may also help reduce AFib symptoms and improve your overall heart health. That said, you may need to avoid very strenuous exercise or monitor your heart rate during activity. Start slowly if you haven't been active, and pay attention to how your body responds. If exercise triggers symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness, stop and contact your doctor. Your healthcare team can help you create an exercise plan that matches your current health status and AFib severity.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.

Related Reading

• Stroke vs Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference
• What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?
• Are Strokes Painful? Symptoms, Misconceptions, and What to Watch For
• The Benefits of Care Coordination — How to Keep Your Doctors on the Same Page
• Managing Multiple Specialists for Chronic Illness: A Comprehensive Guide

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