Atrial Fibrillation
When to Call a Doctor
Some symptoms of atrial fibrillation need urgent medical evaluation.
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you:
- Have severe chest pain.
- Experience any signs of a stroke.
- Feel faint and have an irregular heartbeat.
If you see someone pass out, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
Call your doctor if you have:
- An irregular heart rate.
- Heart palpitations.
- Periods of unexplained light-headedness, dizziness, or confusion.
- An episode of fainting or you come close to fainting for no apparent reason.
- Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise.
Who to See
Your family doctor or general practitioner can find and, in some cases, treat atrial fibrillation.
In general, the extent to which you will need specialized care will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and the complexity of your individual case. Many people who have only mild symptoms or whose arrhythmia is not causing other problems may continue to see their primary care doctors for the ongoing management of the condition.
However, some people with atrial fibrillation have severe symptoms and may benefit from regular monitoring and treatment by a more specialized physician. You may be referred to a specialist, such as:
- A cardiologist.
- A cardiac electrophysiologist.
- An internist specializing in cardiology.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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