2. Fatigue: The Unseen Thief of Energy
Fatigue, another early sign of AFIB, is more than just the garden-variety tiredness we all feel at the end of a long day. This form of fatigue is a persistent, overwhelming sense of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. This symptom can be particularly insidious because it can be easily dismissed or attributed to other less serious conditions, such as the common cold or flu, stress, or simply aging.
When AFIB is present, the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood throughout the body is compromised. This means that less oxygen and nutrients are getting to your muscles and tissues, which can lead to an overwhelming sense of fatigue.
You might find yourself feeling weak, lacking energy, or experiencing an unusual level of tiredness even after a full night’s sleep. In some cases, this fatigue can become so severe that it interferes with daily activities, impacting your quality of life.
What’s even more alarming about this symptom is that many individuals may not associate their fatigue with a heart condition, attributing it instead to a busy lifestyle or a lack of sleep. This can delay the diagnosis of AFIB, making it crucial to be aware of this potential sign.
It’s also worth noting that fatigue can occur alongside other symptoms of AFIB, such as shortness of breath or a decreased tolerance for physical activity. So if you’re finding yourself feeling more tired than usual, alongside experiencing other symptoms such as palpitations or breathlessness, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.
Fatigue as a symptom of AFIB can be particularly challenging to diagnose because it’s subjective and can vary significantly from person to person. What one person describes as fatigue may be vastly different from another person’s experience. Additionally, fatigue can be influenced by a variety of factors, including mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, other medical conditions, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
However, if you are consistently feeling tired, despite getting enough sleep and taking care of your overall health, it’s crucial not to dismiss this symptom. Constant fatigue is not a normal part of life, and it could be your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong, such as AFIB. (2)
