What is the chief complaint commonly associated with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

The chief complaint commonly associated with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is palpitations. AFib is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to the sensation of a fluttering or pounding heartbeat. Patients often report feeling their heart racing, skipping beats, or beating irregularly, which collectively fall under the term "palpitations." This symptom arises due to the chaotic electrical signals in the atria that result in the heart not maintaining a normal rhythm.

While rapid breathing, chest tightness, and fatigue can occur in some patients with AFib, they are not specific indicators of the condition. Rapid breathing might arise from various conditions, including anxiety or respiratory issues. Chest tightness could suggest other cardiac issues or even anxiety rather than being specific to AFib. Fatigue may develop over time due to the heart's inefficiency or as a result of the irregularity in heart rhythm, but it is less frequently the immediate complaint that prompts individuals to seek medical advice. Therefore, palpitations stand out as the hallmark symptom prompting many to recognize and report the presence of AFib.