Which symptom is most commonly associated with atrial fibrillation?

Palpitations are the most commonly associated symptom with atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, which can lead to a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest. Patients frequently describe this feeling as if their heart is racing or skipping beats, which directly corresponds to the experience of palpitations. This sensation can be quite distressing and is a hallmark symptom that prompts individuals to seek medical evaluation.

While chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath can also occur in patients with atrial fibrillation, they are not as universally experienced as palpitations. Chest pain may arise due to various related conditions, fainting can occur as a result of significant drops in blood pressure due to rapid heart rates, and shortness of breath can be a consequence of the reduced cardiac output or concurrent heart failure. However, palpitations remain the defining symptom that is most frequently reported by patients suffering from this arrhythmia. Understanding the prevalence and nature of symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation is essential for effective diagnosis and management.