Heart Palpitations vs Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding the Key Differences

Heart palpitations and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are often confused, but they represent different aspects of heart health. Palpitations refer to a noticeable heartbeat or a feeling of fluttering in the chest, while atrial fibrillation is a specific type of irregular heartbeat that requires medical attention.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Palpitations are a symptom that many people experience at some point in their lives. They can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. These sensations may occur due to a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, physical exertion, or even after consuming caffeine or alcohol. In many cases, palpitations are harmless and temporary.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is a type of arrhythmia where the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles). This condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications. While some people with AFib may not experience any symptoms, others may feel palpitations, especially when the heart rate increases suddenly.

Common Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

When symptoms do occur, they may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest discomfort. These symptoms often appear when the heart rate exceeds 110 beats per minute, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently.

How Are Palpitations and Atrial Fibrillation Related?

While palpitations can be a symptom of AFib, they can also be caused by many other conditions such as coronary artery disease, angina, or premature beats like atrial or ventricular ectopics. Patients with a high number of premature beats often report palpitations as their main complaint, sometimes accompanied by chest tightness or shortness of breath.

On the other hand, patients with AFib may not always feel palpitations, especially if their heart rate remains within a normal range. However, when AFib episodes occur with rapid heart rates, palpitations become a primary symptom, often accompanied by other signs like chest discomfort or difficulty breathing.

Key Differences Between Palpitations and Atrial Fibrillation

The fundamental difference lies in the fact that heart palpitations are a symptom, while atrial fibrillation is a diagnosable medical condition. Palpitations can occur independently of AFib, but they may also be an indicator of underlying heart rhythm problems. In some cases, individuals experiencing palpitations may also have AFib, and during AFib episodes, palpitations are often the most noticeable symptom.