5. Chest Pain: The Telltale Heartache
Chest pain or discomfort, often described as a pressing, burning, or crushing sensation, is another warning sign that could be linked to AFIB. This symptom is typically due to the heart’s struggle to keep up with the body’s demand for oxygen-rich blood during an AFIB episode. This mismatch in supply and demand can result in angina, a type of chest pain that can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.
The experience of chest pain can vary greatly from person to person. For some, it might feel like an elephant is sitting on their chest, while others may feel a more subtle ache or a sensation of tightness. It could be intermittent, coming and going without any identifiable trigger, or it might be constant, creating a relentless source of discomfort.
In AFIB, chest pain can occur during episodes of rapid heart rate, or it can occur even when the heart rate is controlled, due to the irregular rhythm of the heart causing inefficient pumping. Regardless of how or when it occurs, chest pain is a symptom that should never be ignored, as it can be a sign of a serious heart condition, including AFIB.
Chest pain in AFIB can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness. The combination of these symptoms can provide valuable clues to healthcare providers in diagnosing AFIB.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone with AFIB experiences chest pain. In fact, some people with AFIB may have no symptoms at all and only discover their condition during a routine medical check-up. That’s why being aware of all potential symptoms of AFIB, even those that seem benign or unrelated, is so vital in the early detection of this condition. (5)
