What Causes Severe Fatigue When Diagnosed With Atrial Fibrillation?

Posted on Fri, 29 Jul 2016

Question: I have been diagnosed with atrial fib. Recently changed from paroxysmal to persistent. I am scheduled for an ablation procedure in August. I have this head cold or sinus thing going on with pressure, headache, and intermittent low grade fever- normally 99.5-100. I take acetaminophen and the fever breaks. Problem is every time my fever spikes I seem to go back into fib. Which makes me so tired. I am trying to make a decision if I need to see my primary but I keep thinking this is likely viral. It is not the head cold that is making me feel so bad. It is likely the increased fib, which my cardiologist is aware of.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
fever and afib

Detailed Answer:
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You have atrial fibrillation and currently suffering from an upper respiratory infection and fevers. I am sorry to hear this. The fever is likely causing the increased atrial fibrillation. During a fever your heart rate normal increases and with your atrial fibrillation it will become worse during times of fever. Once your temperature and infection resolves you c=should return to your normal heart rate and status. Your fatigue also relates to the atrial fib and the infection. I think getting plenty of fluids and resting you should be Okay. If the fever persists or if you develop chest pain or shortness of breath then you should be seen.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar