Find out more about tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation, types of AF and triggers for AF symptoms.

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How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

Tests and checks to find out whether you have AF include:

  • A manual pulse check. A doctor, nurse or other health professional will feel your pulse, usually in your wrist, to check if it is irregular. If it is irregular, you may go on to have an electrocardiogram.
  • An electrocardiogram (ECG) tests the electrical activity of your heart. It’s painless and usually takes less than 10 minutes. It may be done by your GP or in hospital. Because AF can come and go, you might be given a small wearable device to track your heartbeat over 24 hours.

If you have atrial fibrillation, you may have some other tests. These include:

  • An echocardiogram. This is a type of ultrasound that checks the heart’s structure and function.
  • Blood tests for conditions such as an overactive thyroid.   

Types of atrial fibrillation

AF has three categories, which depend on how long the symptoms last.

Paroxysmal AF comes and goes, and episodes stop within seven days without treatment.

  • Persistent AF lasts more than seven days and needs treatment.
  • Permanent or long-standing persistent AF means you have had continuous atrial fibrillation for a year or more.

What is ‘lone AF’?

You may sometimes hear the term ‘lone AF’ used when you do not have any other known conditions or risk factors associated with your AF. However, this does not affect your treatment options, which will depend on you and your individual risk of stroke.

AF triggers

AF symptoms can be triggered by drinking alcohol or smoking. Some illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines can also trigger an episode of AF. Some people find having too much caffeine from drinks like coffee or energy drinks can give the feeling of a racing heart.

What is atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter is a similar condition to AF, and you can have both at the same time. With atrial flutter, your upper heart chambers (atria) beat very fast, but regularly. Your heart may beat up to 150 times a minute and this can cause similar symptoms to AF, such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It is diagnosed in the same way as AF, and can also increase your risk of stroke.    

Written and edited by
Jenny Simpson , Jonathan Jones , Gemma Harris