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Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common sustained heart-rhythm disorder. It can come and go, sometimes without symptoms, which makes it easy to miss — and important to catch, because it raises the risk of stroke.
AFib requires medical diagnosis and management. A personal EKG can help document an irregular rhythm, but it cannot diagnose or treat AFib. Seek emergency care (call 911) for chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath.

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What is atrial fibrillation?

In AFib, the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat in a fast, chaotic, disorganized way instead of a steady rhythm. This can let blood pool and form clots, which is why AFib is associated with a higher risk of stroke and, over time, can contribute to heart failure if untreated.

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What are the symptoms?

AFib symptoms vary widely, and some people have none at all. When present, they may include:
  • A fluttering, racing, or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest discomfort
Because episodes can be brief and unpredictable, symptoms often don’t appear during a scheduled appointment — which is where home recordings help.

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Why detection matters

Identifying AFib early lets your doctor assess your stroke risk and consider treatment, which may include medication or other therapies. Untreated AFib carries a meaningfully higher stroke risk, so flagging it is worthwhile even when symptoms feel minor.

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How a personal EKG helps

Some single-lead home EKGs flag rhythms that may suggest AFib and let you record a trace during symptoms. That recording is a screening prompt and a useful artifact to bring to your doctor — not a diagnosis. Confirming AFib generally requires a clinician’s interpretation, often with a 12-lead EKG. Capturing an episode on the SonoHealth EKGraph and sharing it can make an intermittent problem much easier to evaluate.

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When to seek care

Make a non-urgent appointment if you notice recurring palpitations or an irregular pulse, or if your device flags a possible irregular rhythm. Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness.
Related: Home EKG Monitoring · Heart Palpitations · Normal Heart Rate and Rhythm · Blood Pressure Monitoring