Symptom 5: Palpitations
The fifth symptom on our list is palpitations, a sensation where your heart feels like it’s pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly, often for just a few seconds or minutes. You might also feel these sensations in your throat or neck.
Palpitations can be frightening, but they’re usually harmless and not always a sign of a serious problem. However, in the context of intermittent atrial fibrillation, palpitations are a direct result of the irregular and often rapid heartbeat.
The experience can vary greatly among individuals. Some describe it as having a fluttering sensation, while others liken it to the heart skipping a beat. It can occur unexpectedly, even when at rest or relaxing. If palpitations are frequent or chronic, medical evaluation is warranted to rule out any potential heart conditions. (5)