The Beat Goes On:
Living with Atrial Fibrillation

CHAPTERS

Stages, Signs, and Symptoms

Learn the types, signs, and symptoms of AFib.

There are several
types of AFib

Having AFib once puts you at increased risk for future episodes. While you may not pass through all stages, this is the most common pathway from pre-diagnosis to diagnosis of AFib.

It is important to know what kind of AFib you have and discuss what treatment options work best for you with your healthcare professional.

The stages of AFib are:

Stage 1: At risk for AFib

You have one or more risk factors for AFib, such as high blood pressure, obesity (being overweight), or sleep apnea.

Stage 2: Pre-AFib

There are changes in the heart or EKG that increases the risk for having AFib, such as heart failure, heart disease, or enlarged atria (upper chamber of the heart).

Stage 3: AFib

In this stage, AFib is diagnosed and confirmed. There are different types of AFib. You may have different types of AFib over time.

  • Paroxysmal: AFib that comes and goes, and stops within 7 days or less.
  • Persistent: AFib that continues for more than 7 days and often needs treatment to get the rhythm back to normal.
  • Long-standing persistent: AFib that continues for more than 12 months.
  • Successful Ablation: No AFib after an ablation procedure.

Stage 4: Permanent AFib

Patient and healthcare professional make a decision to stop further attempts to keep the heart in normal rhythm. AFib continues permanently.

The treatment goal for all types of AFib is to control your heart rate and prevent stroke.

What does AFib feel like?

Some people do not feel anything or have anyproblems with AFib. If you do feel symptoms, they can include:

  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Uneven, fluttering, or racing heart beat (palpitations)
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Chest discomfort or tightness
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Sudden weight gain (examples: 2-3 pounds overnight or 3-5 pounds in a week)

Checking Your Pulse?

Check your heartbeat or pulse as needed. Be sure to check it when you have any of these symptoms:

  • More shortness of breath than usual
  • Feeling lightheaded or weak
  • Fast or racing heart beat

How to check your pulse

  • Place the pads of 2 or 3 fingers on the inside of your wrist, just below your thumb.
  • Press down until you feel your pulse. Be patient— it takes practice!
  • Talk with your healthcare professional about devices that can help you take your pulse at home.
Look for
  • Is your pulse regular?
  • How many heartbeats do you have in a minute?
Call your healthcare professional if your pulse:
  • Has been regular, and now it isn’t
  • Is over 100 beats a minute. Make sure to talk to your healthcare team about what pulse rate range is good for you.

How do I know if I have AFib​

Your healthcare professional can tell you if you have AFib. They will take your health history and give you a physical exam. There are tests to see if you have AFib.

Health History

Your healthcare professional will ask about:

  • Any symptoms such as new or worse shortness of breath, feeling very tired, or feeling irregular heart beats
  • Your history of heart or lung disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems
  • Your risk for sleep apnea, such as snoring, gasping for air when you sleep, or feeling very tired even after sleeping or resting
  • Your health habits, like smoking, drinking alcohol, and exercise

Physical exam

The healthcare professional will listen to your heart to see if it is beating regularly or irregularly. Irregular or faster beats can mean that you are in AFib.

You may have other tests for AFib.

© 2025 PCNA. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Website by Yoko Co

Interactive Guide

The Beat Goes On:
Living with Atrial Fibrillation

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.