Symptoms may include:

• There may be no symptoms
• Weakness, dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain with increased activity
• Feeling of irregular or fast heartbeat or pulse

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, an echocardiogram (non-invasive, painless test that uses sound waves to record heart valve activity) and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG, noninvasive, painless test that records electrical activity of the heart).
• Medications for controlling the rhythm and medicine to thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Some medications will require you to have periodic blood tests done to check that you are getting the correct dose. It may take time to find the medication or combination of medications that work best for you.
• Sometimes medication cannot help. In these cases, a controlled electric shock may be given to attempt conversion to a regular rhythm.

What you can do:

• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• DO NOT stop your medications without talking to your doctor first. Contact your doctor about any side effects or adverse reactions
• Keep follow-up appointments for lab tests and check-ups.

What you can expect:

• Atrial fibrillation can usually be controlled through treatment.
• Working closely with your doctor to determine the proper medications and doses is very important.
• Possible complications if uncontrolled include stroke or heart attack.

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation. If you have any of the risk factors, such as another heart condition, it is important to keep a regular schedule of check-ups.