A GP has offered insight into symptoms that could indicate a common heart condition. Dr Sophie Newton shared the advice on her patient information YouTube channel @DrSophieGP. In an educational video, the GP said: “Have you ever felt your heart racing, skipping beats or pounding out of rhythm?
“It might feel like butterflies in your chest or a drum roll that won’t stop. Well, it could just be stress, but it might also be something more serious: Atrial Fibrillation or AF, as we call it. Now, this condition affects about 38 million people worldwide.”
The expert explained: “Atrial Fibrillation is a problem with how your heart beats. So, normally, your heart has a steady, predictable rhythm controlled by electrical signals. So it’s like a ticking of a clock, regular and predictable.
“But when you have Atrial Fibrillation, the rhythm becomes chaotic, like a clock that’s gone haywire, ticking fast and unevenly. The electrical signals cause the upper chambers of the heart called the atria to quiver or twitch instead of pumping regularly.”
Dr Newton said the condition can affect how well blood moves around the body. “Some people only have AF from time to time; we call this paroxysmal AF, but for others, it can be permanent,” she continued.
As per the NHS, symptoms might include:
- an irregular heartbeat, where your pulse is not steady
- suddenly feeling like your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, skipping or missing a beat (heart palpitations) – this may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes
- a heartbeat faster than 100 beats per minute
- feeling very tired
- finding it harder to exercise
- chest pain or tightness
- feeling short of breath, lightheaded, dizzy or like you might faint
If you have any health concerns, speak to your GP. Anyone can get AF, though you may be more likely to develop the condition if you’re a man, you’re 55 or older, you take part in endurance sports, or you smoke, the NHS says. Dr Newton explained that AF can be diagnosed using tests such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram and that your doctor can explain how best to treat your AF.
The GP added that you might be prescribed medications to slow your heart rate and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots from forming. Additionally, if there are any underlying causes, it will be important to address these. In some cases, hospital treatment may be required.
Sharing practical advice for people who have AF or think they may have AF, Dr Newton advised:
- Keeping an eye on your symptoms.
- Taking your medications exactly as prescribed.
- Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine.
- Quitting smoking.
- Managing stress.
The GP said: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s about your medications, your treatments, or what changes you can make. We’re here to help. Atrial Fibrillation might feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can take control and protect your heart health.”
Call 999 immediately if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat and you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, a severe headache, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, numbness on one side of your face or body, or you feel sick.