Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and why early detection matters

PADUCAH, KY (Feb. 19, 2026) — If your heart feels like it’s racing, fluttering or skipping beats, it could be more than stress or overexertion. A frequent, irregular heartbeat may be a sign of atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib.

AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. When this happens, blood is not pumped efficiently and can pool in the heart, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke and other serious complications.

“AFib is a serious condition, but many people don’t realize they have it,” said electrophysiologist Jacob Elrod, MD, Baptist Health Medical Group Cardiology. “In some cases, patients feel a fluttering in their chest or shortness of breath. Others may have no symptoms at all and only discover it during a routine exam.”

Common symptoms of AFib may include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or feeling faint. Some people describe it as their heart “flip-flopping” or “pounding” against their chest. Because symptoms can vary or go unnoticed, early detection is key.

If left untreated, AFib can lead to chronic fatigue, heart failure or stroke. In fact, AFib is linked to increased risk of stroke. Blood pooling in the heart can form clots that may travel to the brain, blocking blood flow. For this reason, many patients with AFib are prescribed blood-thinning medications to reduce their stroke risk.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and a patient’s overall health. Care may include medications to control heart rate or rhythm, blood thinners to prevent clots, electrical cardioversion to reset the heart rhythm, or minimally invasive catheter ablation to target atrial fibrillation at its source. Managing related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea is also an important part of care.
AFib is considered a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time if not properly managed. However, with early diagnosis and coordinated care, many patients can manage their symptoms.

“Recognizing the signs and seeking medical evaluation early can make a significant difference,” said Dr. Elrod. “A simple physical exam or electrocardiogram can help diagnose AFib and allow us to develop a personalized treatment plan.”

Anyone experiencing chest pain, pressure or symptoms that may indicate a heart attack should call 911 immediately.

To learn more about atrial fibrillation or to schedule an appointment, call Baptist Health Medical Group Cardiology at 270.575.3113.