What are the causes and symptoms of atrial fibrillation and flutter?
In most cases, the cause of atrial fibrillation and flutter can be found, but often it cannot. Causes of these heart beat abnormalities include: • many types of heart disease • stress and anxiety • caffeine • alcohol • tobacco • diet pills • some prescription and over-the-counter medications • open heart surgery Symptoms, when present, include: • a fluttering feeling in the chest • a pulse that feels like the heart is skipping, racing, jumping, or is irregular • low energy • a faint or dizzy feeling • pressure or discomfort in the chest • shortness of breath • anxiety Source: The Gale Group.
