{"id":10352,"date":"2026-10-19T03:40:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T07:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/?p=10352"},"modified":"2026-10-19T05:23:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T09:23:05","slug":"can-atrial-fibrillation-cause-shortness-of-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/can-atrial-fibrillation-cause-shortness-of-breath\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Atrial Fibrillation Cause Shortness of Breath?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/category\/atrial-fibrillation\/\">Atrial fibrillation<\/a> (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat irregularly and often rapidly. It can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Some people experience noticeable symptoms, while others may have atrial fibrillation without realising it.<\/p>\n<p>One of the symptoms associated with this condition is shortness of breath. People may notice breathing difficulties when walking, climbing stairs, exercising or even resting. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/atrial-fibrillation-symptoms-causes-treatment-prevention\/\">Atrial Fibrillation symptoms<\/a> can be particularly concerning when they appear suddenly or occur alongside a rapid heartbeat.<\/p>\n<p>Atrial Fibrillation and shortness of breath are closely connected because an irregular heart rhythm can reduce the heart&#8217;s pumping efficiency and may contribute to fluid congestion in the lungs. However, breathing problems can also result from other heart or lung conditions, so it is important to identify the underlying cause. Why atrial fibrillation can cause breathing difficulties, which symptoms to recognise, how doctors diagnose the condition and which treatments may help.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Atrial Fibrillation?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/what-does-an-atrial-fibrillation-episode-feel-like\/\">Atrial fibrillation<\/a> is an abnormal heart rhythm that develops when the electrical signals controlling the upper chambers of the heart become disorganised.<\/p>\n<p>Normally, electrical impulses coordinate the heartbeat, allowing the atria (the upper chambers) to contract and move blood into the ventricles (the lower chambers). The ventricles then pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.<\/p>\n<p>During atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting in a coordinated way. As a result, the heartbeat becomes irregular and may become unusually fast.<\/p>\n<p>This can interfere with the heart&#8217;s ability to fill and pump blood efficiently, particularly during physical activity or when the heart rate is very high.<\/p>\n<p>Atrial fibrillation can occur in episodes that stop on their own, persist for longer periods or continue until treatment restores or controls the rhythm. Some people have mild symptoms, while others experience significant discomfort.<\/p>\n<p>According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, managing AFib involves addressing symptoms, reducing stroke risk and treating related health conditions.<\/p>\n<h2>Can Atrial Fibrillation Cause Shortness of Breath?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/can-atrial-fibrillation-cause-dizziness-and-fatigue\/\">Atrial fibrillation can cause<\/a> shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnoea. This symptom may occur during an AFib episode, with physical activity or, in more serious cases, while resting.<\/p>\n<p>When the heart beats irregularly or too quickly, it may not pump enough blood to meet the body&#8217;s needs. The body responds by trying to compensate, which can make ordinary activities feel more physically demanding.<\/p>\n<p>There are several reasons why atrial fibrillation may cause breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Reduced Pumping Efficiency<\/h3>\n<p>A normal heartbeat allows the atria to contract and help fill the ventricles before they pump blood out of the heart. During atrial fibrillation, this coordinated atrial contraction is lost.<\/p>\n<p>The ventricles may receive less blood before each contraction, which can reduce the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat.<\/p>\n<p>When the body needs more oxygen during activities such as walking or climbing stairs, the heart may struggle to increase its output sufficiently. This can produce breathlessness, tiredness and reduced exercise tolerance.<\/p>\n<p>People with existing heart disease or reduced heart function may experience more pronounced symptoms.<\/p>\n<h3>2. A Rapid Heart Rate<\/h3>\n<p>Some AFib episodes cause the heart to beat much faster than normal. A rapid heart rate gives the ventricles less time to fill with blood between beats.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, the heart may become less efficient at delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body&#8217;s tissues.<\/p>\n<p>This can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/early-symptoms-of-atrial-fibrillation\/\">Atrial Fibrillation symptoms<\/a> such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shortness of breath during physical activity.<\/li>\n<li>A racing or fluttering heartbeat.<\/li>\n<li>Dizziness or light-headedness.<\/li>\n<li>Weakness and unusual fatigue.<\/li>\n<li>Reduced ability to complete everyday tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A persistently rapid heart rate can also weaken the heart muscle over time in some people, contributing to a condition known as tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Fluid Build-Up in the Lungs<\/h3>\n<p>Atrial fibrillation may occur alongside heart failure or contribute to worsening heart function. When the heart cannot pump blood effectively, pressure can rise in the blood vessels supplying the lungs.<\/p>\n<p>This increased pressure can cause fluid to accumulate in lung tissue, making it harder for oxygen to move into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n<p>People experiencing this problem may notice breathlessness when lying flat, waking up at night struggling to breathe, or swelling in their legs and ankles.<\/p>\n<p>These symptoms require prompt medical assessment because they may indicate heart failure or another serious condition.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Reduced Exercise Tolerance<\/h3>\n<p>Some people with atrial fibrillation can breathe comfortably while sitting but become short of breath during mild activity.<\/p>\n<p>This happens because exercise increases the body&#8217;s demand for oxygen. If the heart cannot increase blood flow efficiently, the person may need to stop and rest more frequently.<\/p>\n<p>Activities such as carrying groceries, climbing stairs, walking uphill or doing household chores may become more difficult than usual.<\/p>\n<p>Persistent or worsening exercise-related breathlessness should not be dismissed as normal ageing or poor fitness, particularly in someone with known heart disease.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does AFib-Related Shortness of Breath Feel Like?<\/h2>\n<p>The experience varies from person to person. Some people describe a feeling that they cannot take a satisfying deep breath, while others feel winded after minimal exertion.<\/p>\n<p>Common descriptions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Feeling out of breath while walking at an ordinary pace.<\/li>\n<li>Needing to pause frequently when climbing stairs.<\/li>\n<li>Feeling unable to take a full breath during a racing heartbeat.<\/li>\n<li>Experiencing breathlessness together with palpitations.<\/li>\n<li>Feeling unusually tired during routine activities.<\/li>\n<li>Struggling to breathe comfortably when lying flat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some people experience sudden breathing difficulties during an AFib episode. Others develop symptoms gradually as their heart rhythm, heart function or underlying condition changes.<\/p>\n<p>Importantly, shortness of breath alone cannot confirm atrial fibrillation. Asthma, chest infections, anaemia, lung disease and other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms to Recognise<\/h2>\n<p>Shortness of breath is only one possible symptom of AFib. Recognising other signs may help a person seek medical evaluation sooner.<\/p>\n<h3>Common Atrial Fibrillation symptoms<\/h3>\n<p>Heart palpitations: You may feel that your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping beats.<\/p>\n<p>Fatigue: An irregular heartbeat can reduce exercise capacity and make daily activities feel exhausting.<\/p>\n<p>Dizziness: Changes in blood flow may cause light-headedness or a feeling of unsteadiness.<\/p>\n<p>Chest discomfort: Some people experience chest pressure, tightness or pain. Chest pain should always be taken seriously.<\/p>\n<p>Reduced exercise tolerance: You may find that activities you previously managed easily now leave you breathless.<\/p>\n<p>Weakness: Reduced circulation or the strain of a rapid heartbeat can contribute to general weakness.<\/p>\n<p>Some people have no noticeable symptoms and discover AFib during a routine medical examination or heart rhythm test.<\/p>\n<p>Because symptoms differ considerably, doctors generally need an electrocardiogram (ECG) or another appropriate heart rhythm recording to confirm the diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2>When Is Shortness of Breath an Emergency?<\/h2>\n<p>Breathing difficulties should never be ignored when they are severe, sudden or associated with other warning signs.<\/p>\n<p>Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Severe or sudden shortness of breath.<\/li>\n<li>Chest pain, pressure or tightness.<\/li>\n<li>Fainting or near-fainting.<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty breathing at rest that is rapidly worsening.<\/li>\n<li>Blue or grey lips, or signs of severe oxygen deprivation.<\/li>\n<li>Sudden weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking or confusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These symptoms may indicate a serious heart or lung problem, including a heart attack, acute heart failure, pulmonary embolism or stroke.<\/p>\n<p>Do not assume that severe breathing problems are simply another AFib episode. Call your local emergency service rather than driving yourself to hospital.<\/p>\n<p>If you have new, unexplained or worsening breathlessness without emergency warning signs, arrange prompt medical assessment.<\/p>\n<h2>What Other Conditions Can Cause Breathing Problems?<\/h2>\n<p>Although atrial fibrillation can cause breathlessness, it is not the only possible explanation. Identifying other contributing conditions is important for choosing the right treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>Heart failure<\/h3>\n<p>Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump or fill with blood adequately. It can cause breathlessness, swelling in the legs, fatigue and difficulty breathing when lying flat.<\/p>\n<p>AFib and heart failure frequently occur together, and each condition can make the other more difficult to manage.<\/p>\n<h3>Coronary artery disease<\/h3>\n<p>Narrowed coronary arteries can reduce blood supply to the heart muscle. This may cause chest discomfort, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance, particularly during physical exertion.<\/p>\n<h3>Asthma and chronic lung disease<\/h3>\n<p>Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n<p>These problems may coexist with atrial fibrillation, making it important not to attribute every breathing symptom to the heart rhythm.<\/p>\n<h3>Anaemia<\/h3>\n<p>Anaemia reduces the blood&#8217;s ability to carry oxygen. A person may experience fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, especially during activity.<\/p>\n<h3>Respiratory infections<\/h3>\n<p>Pneumonia and other respiratory infections may cause coughing, fever, chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. Infections can also place additional stress on the heart and sometimes trigger AFib episodes.<\/p>\n<p>A clinician can assess these possibilities using your symptoms, medical history, examination and appropriate tests.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do Doctors Diagnose AFib-Related Shortness of Breath?<\/h2>\n<p>Doctors usually investigate both the abnormal heart rhythm and the reason for the breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n<h3>Medical history and physical examination<\/h3>\n<p>Your clinician may ask when the breathlessness started, whether it occurs during exercise or rest, how long episodes last and whether you experience palpitations, chest discomfort or dizziness.<\/p>\n<p>They may also check your pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, breathing rate and signs of fluid retention.<\/p>\n<h3>Electrocardiogram (ECG)<\/h3>\n<p>An ECG records the heart&#8217;s electrical activity. It is a key test for identifying atrial fibrillation and assessing the heart rate.<\/p>\n<p>If symptoms occur intermittently and a standard ECG does not capture an episode, your doctor may recommend a Holter monitor, event monitor or another form of ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring.<\/p>\n<h3>Echocardiogram<\/h3>\n<p>An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess the heart&#8217;s structure and function. It can help identify problems with the heart valves, pumping ability and chamber size.<\/p>\n<p>It may also help doctors investigate whether heart failure is contributing to breathlessness.<\/p>\n<h3>Blood tests<\/h3>\n<p>Blood tests may help identify anaemia, thyroid disorders, electrolyte abnormalities and other factors that can contribute to AFib or breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the symptoms, doctors may also request tests for heart failure or other conditions.<\/p>\n<h3>Additional tests<\/h3>\n<p>A chest X-ray, lung function tests or other investigations may be appropriate when the clinician suspects a respiratory problem or fluid accumulation in the lungs.<\/p>\n<p>The choice of tests depends on the severity of symptoms and the suspected cause.<\/p>\n<h2>Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation and Shortness of Breath<\/h2>\n<p>Treatment depends on the cause of the breathlessness, the heart rate, the type of AFib and the person&#8217;s overall health.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to relieve symptoms, manage the abnormal rhythm, reduce complications and treat any underlying condition.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Heart Rate Control<\/h3>\n<p>Doctors may prescribe medicines to slow the heart rate, such as beta-blockers or certain calcium channel blockers.<\/p>\n<p>By helping the heart beat at a more controlled rate, these medicines may improve pumping efficiency and reduce symptoms in suitable patients.<\/p>\n<p>The appropriate medication depends on factors such as blood pressure, heart function and other medical conditions. Do not start, stop or change heart medicines without medical advice.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Heart Rhythm Control<\/h3>\n<p>Some patients may benefit from treatment aimed at restoring and maintaining a normal heart rhythm.<\/p>\n<p>Options can include antiarrhythmic medicines or electrical cardioversion, a procedure that uses a controlled electrical shock to restore the heart&#8217;s rhythm.<\/p>\n<p>The decision depends on symptom severity, AFib duration, associated conditions and individual risks.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Catheter Ablation<\/h3>\n<p>Catheter ablation is a procedure in which a specialist uses thin tubes inserted through blood vessels to treat areas responsible for triggering or maintaining the abnormal rhythm.<\/p>\n<p>It can reduce AFib episodes and improve symptoms in appropriately selected patients. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and AFib can return after treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Treatment for Heart Failure<\/h3>\n<p>If fluid congestion or heart failure contributes to breathlessness, treatment may include medicines that improve heart function and reduce fluid accumulation.<\/p>\n<p>Diuretics may be prescribed when excess fluid is present. Other heart failure medicines may be recommended according to the person&#8217;s heart function and clinical circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Sudden or severe breathlessness may require urgent hospital treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Stroke Prevention<\/h3>\n<p>Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart and travelling to the brain, causing a stroke.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors assess individual stroke risk and may prescribe anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners, when appropriate. These medicines help reduce clot formation but also carry a bleeding risk.<\/p>\n<p>Anticoagulants do not directly treat shortness of breath, but stroke prevention is an essential part of comprehensive AFib care.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Managing Contributing Conditions<\/h3>\n<p>Treatment may also involve managing high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders or other conditions that affect heart rhythm and cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n<p>A comprehensive treatment plan can improve overall health and may help reduce AFib recurrence or symptom burden.<\/p>\n<h2>Natural Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p>Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. While medical treatment is essential for managing this condition, certain lifestyle changes may support heart health and help reduce triggers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/product\/atrial-fibrillation\/\">Natural Remedies for Atrial Fibrillation<\/a> should complement, not replace, professional medical care.<\/p>\n<h3>Natural Ways to Support Heart Health<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit excessive salt and highly processed foods to support healthy blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Manage Stress: Stress may trigger AFib episodes in some people. Gentle yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques may help promote calmness.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits: Aim for consistent, sufficient sleep. Talk to a healthcare professional if you experience loud snoring or daytime sleepiness, as sleep apnea can contribute to AFib.<\/li>\n<li>Exercise Safely: Regular, moderate physical activity can support cardiovascular health. Consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.<\/li>\n<li>Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Triggers: Alcohol can trigger AFib episodes. Caffeine affects individuals differently, so monitor your symptoms and discuss potential triggers with your doctor.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Lifestyle Changes That May Help Manage AFib Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Lifestyle changes can support medical treatment, although they cannot replace an appropriate clinical assessment or prescribed medication.<\/p>\n<p>Consider the following measures with guidance from your healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<p>Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, gradual and sustainable weight loss may help reduce AFib burden and improve cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n<p>Exercise appropriately. Regular, moderate physical activity can benefit heart health. However, avoid strenuous exercise during unexplained breathlessness or uncontrolled symptoms. Ask your clinician what activity level is safe for you.<\/p>\n<p>Limit alcohol. Alcohol can trigger AFib episodes in some people. Reducing intake or avoiding alcohol may be beneficial.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid smoking. Smoking harms cardiovascular health. Seek support if you need help stopping.<\/p>\n<p>Manage blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the risk of AFib and other heart problems. Follow your treatment plan and monitor blood pressure as advised.<\/p>\n<p>Prioritise sleep. Poor sleep and untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to cardiovascular problems. Discuss persistent snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing or excessive daytime sleepiness with your doctor.<\/p>\n<p>Use caffeine thoughtfully. Caffeine does not trigger AFib in everyone, but some people notice symptoms after consuming it. Track your individual response and discuss concerns with your clinician.<\/p>\n<p>Take medicines as prescribed. Do not discontinue rate-control medicines or anticoagulants because you feel better. Changes should be made only with appropriate medical guidance.<\/p>\n<p>These measures can support long-term management, but they do not guarantee that AFib or breathlessness will disappear.<\/p>\n<h2>Can Shortness of Breath Improve When AFib Is Treated?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, shortness of breath may improve when AFib is brought under better control, particularly when the abnormal rhythm or rapid heart rate is the main cause.<\/p>\n<p>For example, slowing the heart rate may improve blood flow and reduce exertional symptoms. Restoring a normal rhythm may also improve exercise tolerance in some patients.<\/p>\n<p>However, improvement is not guaranteed. If heart failure, lung disease, anaemia or another condition contributes to the breathing difficulties, that problem also needs appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n<p>The time required for improvement varies according to the underlying cause, treatment and overall health.<\/p>\n<p>Tell your doctor if breathlessness persists, worsens or returns after treatment. New symptoms should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to previously diagnosed AFib.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Can atrial fibrillation cause shortness of breath at rest?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. AFib can cause breathlessness at rest, particularly when the heart rate is very rapid or heart function is impaired. Breathlessness at rest can also indicate heart failure or another serious condition and warrants urgent assessment, especially if it is new or worsening.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Why do I feel breathless during an AFib episode?<\/h3>\n<p>An irregular or rapid heartbeat can reduce the heart&#8217;s pumping efficiency. The body may then struggle to meet its oxygen needs during physical activity, causing breathlessness, fatigue and palpitations.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Can AFib cause shortness of breath when lying down?<\/h3>\n<p>It can, but breathlessness when lying flat may be a sign of fluid congestion or heart failure. Tell your doctor promptly, particularly if you need extra pillows to breathe comfortably or wake up gasping for air.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Does atrial fibrillation always cause breathing problems?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Some people have AFib without noticeable symptoms. Others experience palpitations, dizziness, fatigue or shortness of breath. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Can treating AFib improve breathing?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, if AFib is responsible for the breathing difficulties. Rate-control treatment, rhythm-control treatment or catheter ablation may improve symptoms in suitable patients. Other causes of breathlessness may require separate treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Is shortness of breath a sign of worsening AFib?<\/h3>\n<p>It can indicate that AFib is becoming less well controlled, but it may also reflect heart failure, lung disease or another medical problem. New or worsening breathlessness should be medically assessed.<\/p>\n<h3>7. When should I seek medical help for AFib-related breathlessness?<\/h3>\n<p>Seek emergency care for severe or sudden breathing difficulties, chest pain, fainting or stroke symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional promptly for new, persistent or worsening breathlessness, even when it is not severe.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Atrial Fibrillation and shortness of breath are often connected, because an irregular or rapid heartbeat can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood. In some cases, AFib can also worsen heart failure and contribute to fluid accumulation in the lungs.<\/p>\n<p>Breathing difficulties may occur during physical activity, while resting or when lying down. However, they can also signal other heart or lung conditions that require treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Recognising AFib symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and following an appropriate treatment plan can help manage symptoms and reduce complications. Medical care may include heart rate control, rhythm-control treatment, stroke prevention and management of underlying health conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Do not ignore sudden, severe or worsening breathlessness. Seek appropriate medical attention to identify its cause and receive the right treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>Medical references<\/h3>\n<p>Use the following authoritative sources to support the medical information in this article.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Joglar JA, et al. 2023 ACC\/AHA\/ACCP\/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation. 2024;149:e1\u2013e156. DOI: 10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001193. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11095842\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read the full clinical guideline<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>American Heart Association. 2023 Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation \u2014 overview and recommendations. <a href=\"https:\/\/professional.heart.org\/en\/science-news\/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-on-atrial-fibrillation?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Heart Association guideline resource<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>American College of Cardiology. 2023 ACC\/AHA\/ACCP\/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acc.org\/Guidelines\/Guidelines\/2023\/11\/30\/12\/05\/Atrial-Fibrillation-2023-Guideline?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read the clinical guideline<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Medical disclaimer<\/h3>\n<p>This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anyone experiencing new or worsening shortness of breath should seek medical assessment. Severe or sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or symptoms of stroke require emergency care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat irregularly and often rapidly. It can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Some people experience noticeable symptoms, while others may have atrial fibrillation without realising it. One of the symptoms associated with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10353,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[426],"tags":[4837,504,4855,4854,4842,4838,4840,4853],"class_list":["post-10352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-atrial-fibrillation","tag-afib-symptoms","tag-atrial-fibrillation","tag-atrial-fibrillation-cause-shortness-of-breath","tag-breathing-problems","tag-cardiovascular-health","tag-heart-health","tag-irregular-heartbeat","tag-shortness-of-breath"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10352"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10352\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10356,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10352\/revisions\/10356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10353"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbal-care-products.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}