![]() ![]() ![]() To check your pulse, place the second and third fingers of your right hand on the edge of your left wrist. These may help diagnose paroxysmal atrial fibrillation even if episodes are infrequent. But today more innovative methods are available, like smartphone apps that can accurately monitor your heart rhythm no matter where you are. Some methods, like the classic two-finger pulse test and the stethoscope, are traditional. The method you use to monitor your own heart rhythm will depend on how often you have symptoms and how comfortable you are using medical tools or devices. "For people who are completely asymptomatic, it may not be picked up until they have a stroke or heart failure." 4 Ways to Monitor Your Heart Rhythm "You can have atrial fibrillation all the time and be completely unaware of it," Dr. Complicating matters, some people have no symptoms at all, says Hugh Calkins, MD, an electrophysiologist and director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. Other symptoms, such as weakness and fatigue, may be less obvious. When this happens, you may experience atrial fibrillation symptoms, including: As a result, blood isn't pumped properly into your heart's lower chambers. If you have atrial fibrillation, your heart's two upper chambers quiver or contract irregularly. Normally, the heart contracts and relaxes in a steady rhythm. Why Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms Are Tough to Detect Your doctor may then order additional tests, either in the office or at home, to confirm a case of irregular heart rhythm. Monitor your heart rhythm on your own through traditional or innovative new methods, and then discuss your findings with your doctor for a diagnosis. In paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, symptoms come and go and may be easily overlooked. Sometimes the irregular heartbeat of atrial fibrillation isn't detected until the person has a life-threatening stroke or heart failure, because they notice no symptoms beforehand. If you think you might have an irregular heartbeat like atrial fibrillation, a smartphone app may be able to confirm your suspicion - but you can check your heart rhythm on your own in simple ways, too. ![]()
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