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If you've got atrial fibrillation, you may feel your heart beating very fast and irregularly.

If you take your pulse when you are sitting still it will probably be more than 140 beats a minute. Normally, it would be 60 to 80 beats a minute.

You may not realize that your heart is beating fast because you have gotten used to it.

You may get some other symptoms, including:

• Chest pain
• Feeling breathless
• Feeling dizzy.

If you get these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away. They can also be signs of more serious heart problems.

To help decide if you might have atrial fibrillation, your doctor will probably:

• Examine you
• Ask about your symptoms
• Take your pulse
• Give you an ECG (electrocardiogram), which shows how your heart is beating.

You may need to go to the hospital for more tests.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.