From the Guidelines
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) pulse typically feels irregular, chaotic, and often rapid, described as "irregularly irregular" with unpredictable intervals and varying strengths. When checking your pulse during AFib, you'll notice that the beats come at unpredictable intervals with varying strengths, sometimes described as irregularly irregular 1. The heart rate may be fast, often between 100-175 beats per minute, though it can be slower in some cases. Some people describe feeling a fluttering sensation in their chest, palpitations, or a feeling that their heart is skipping beats or adding extra beats. The pulse may also feel weaker than normal at times.
- Key characteristics of an AFib pulse include:
- Irregular rhythm
- Unpredictable intervals between beats
- Varying beat strengths
- Rapid heart rate, often between 100-175 beats per minute
- Possible feeling of fluttering, palpitations, or skipped beats This irregular rhythm occurs because the upper chambers of the heart (atria) are quivering instead of contracting effectively, causing disorganized electrical signals to reach the lower chambers (ventricles) 1. If you notice these pulse characteristics, especially accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or chest discomfort, you should seek medical attention promptly as AFib increases stroke risk and may require medication or other treatments to control the heart rhythm and prevent complications.
From the Research
Afib Pulse Characteristics
- The provided studies do not directly describe what an afib pulse feels like 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue 3, 5.
- The irregular heartbeat can cause a pulse that feels irregular, erratic, or skipped beats 5.
Cardioversion and Afib
- Cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with AF, and can be performed using electrical or pharmacological methods 2, 3, 4, 6.
- The success rate of cardioversion can vary depending on the method used and the individual patient's condition 3, 4, 6.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs can be used to improve the success rate of cardioversion and maintain sinus rhythm after the procedure 4, 5, 6.
Patient Experience
- While the studies do not provide a direct description of what an afib pulse feels like, they do discuss the symptoms and treatment options for AF 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Patients with AF may experience a range of symptoms, including palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which can impact their quality of life 3, 5.
- Effective treatment and management of AF can help alleviate these symptoms and improve patient outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.