Winter brings cold mornings, dark evenings and plenty of coughs and colds. For people with a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation, it can also be a time when symptoms show up more often. The cold, winter bugs and the festive season can all put extra pressure on the heart.
In this post, we explain the atrial fibrillation symptoms to look out for, the winter triggers that can set them off, and when you should get help. We also share simple ways to look after your heart until spring, and tell you how to find out about our current research in London and Manchester.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, often shortened to AF, is one of the most common heart rhythm problems in the UK. Normally, your heart beats in a steady pattern. With AF, the top chambers of the heart send out messy electrical signals, so the heart beats in an irregular way and is often faster than usual.
AF is more common as people get older, but it can affect adults of any age. If you would like the full picture, our guide explains what atrial fibrillation is and why it matters.
Atrial fibrillation symptoms to watch for
Some people with AF feel very unwell, while others have no symptoms at all and only find out during a check-up. The most common atrial fibrillation symptoms are:
- An irregular pulse. Your heartbeat does not feel steady when you check your wrist or neck.
- Palpitations. Your heart feels like it is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping beats.
- Tiredness. You feel more worn out than usual, even after rest.
- Being out of breath. You struggle to catch your breath, even when doing everyday things.
- Feeling dizzy or faint. You feel light-headed, especially when standing up.
- Chest discomfort. You notice tightness or pain in your chest.
- Finding exercise harder. Walking up stairs or carrying shopping takes more effort than it used to.
In winter, these signs are easy to brush off. Tiredness can be blamed on the dark evenings, and breathlessness can be mistaken for a chest cold. If something does not feel right, it is always worth getting it checked.
Why winter can make AF worse
There is no single reason AF can flare up in the colder months. Instead, several winter changes can add up and put extra strain on your heart.
| Winter trigger | How it can affect your heart | What can help |
| Cold weather | Blood vessels get narrower to keep you warm, so your heart has to work harder, and blood pressure can rise | Heat the rooms you use most, wear layers and cover your hands, feet and head outside |
| Colds, flu and chest infections | Being ill puts your body under stress, which can bring on an irregular heartbeat | Wash your hands often and ask your GP or pharmacist about winter vaccines |
| More alcohol over the festive season | Drinking more than usual, especially in one go, is a well-known AF trigger | Stick to the recommended limits and have several alcohol-free days each week |
| Big, rich meals | Large, salty or fatty meals can make some people feel their heart racing | Eat smaller portions and go easy on salt |
| Drinking less water | You often feel less thirsty in the cold, and not drinking enough can upset your heart rhythm | Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby and sip through the day |
| Too much caffeine | Extra cups of tea, coffee or energy drinks to fight tiredness can trigger palpitations in some people | Swap some drinks for decaf or water, especially later in the day |
| Moving less | Less exercise can lead to weight gain and higher blood pressure, both linked to AF | Try short walks in daylight or gentle exercise at home |
| Stress and poor sleep | Busy holidays and dark mornings can affect rest and mood, which can upset your heart rhythm | Keep a regular bedtime and make time to relax |
Stress and sleep are often overlooked. You can read more about how stress and poor sleep affect your heart in our earlier post.
Why AF should not be ignored
AF is not usually life-threatening on its own, but it does need to be looked after. When the heart beats irregularly, blood can pool inside it and form small clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. This is why atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke, and why spotting it early matters so much.
The good news is that AF can be managed. Doctors can offer medicines to control your heart rate and rhythm and to lower your risk of clots, along with other treatments if needed.
When to get help
Knowing who to contact can save precious time. Use this simple guide.
Call 999 straight away if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat and:
- chest pain or tightness
- severe shortness of breath
- you faint or feel like you are about to
- signs of a stroke, such as a drooping face, weakness in one arm, or slurred speech
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:
- your pulse feels irregular or keeps racing, even if it then settles
- you have palpitations that keep coming back or last more than a few minutes
- you feel more tired, breathless or dizzy than usual and you are not sure why
If you already have AF, speak to your GP or heart team if your symptoms change, happen more often, or your medicine does not seem to be working as well. Keep taking your medicine as you have been told, even if you feel well.
The NHS guide to atrial fibrillation symptoms has more detail on what to look out for and when to get urgent help.
How to check your pulse
Checking your pulse takes less than a minute and can help you spot changes early.
- Sit down and rest for five minutes.
- Place two fingers (not your thumb) on the inside of your wrist, just below the base of your thumb.
- Press lightly until you can feel your pulse.
- Count the beats for 30 seconds, then double it to get your beats per minute.
- Notice whether the beats feel steady or jumpy.
A normal resting heart rate for most adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If your pulse often feels irregular, make a note of when it happens and tell your GP.
Simple ways to look after your heart this winter
- Keep warm. Try to keep the rooms you use most at 18°C or above.
- Stay active. Even 10 minutes of movement a few times a day helps.
- Drink enough water. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
- Watch the alcohol. Spread drinks out and keep to the recommended limits.
- Protect yourself from winter bugs. Wash your hands and ask about the vaccines you are offered.
- Rest well. Aim for a regular bedtime, even over the holidays.
Our atrial fibrillation research
At 4MCS, we have run clinical trials for people with atrial fibrillation, giving participants closer monitoring of their heart rhythm and support from an experienced research team alongside their usual care. You can learn more about our atrial fibrillation research and how it helps doctors find better ways to treat heart rhythm problems.
We never charge participants to take part in any of our trials. If you are interested in future AF studies, or would like to know what else we are recruiting for, our friendly team is happy to talk you through your options.
Find your nearest clinic
We run clinical trials from our MHRA-approved clinics in London and Manchester, with friendly staff on hand to support participants at every step.
To see which studies are open right now, visit our current clinical trials page, call our team on 03300 575 838, or email info@4mcs.co.uk.
FAQ:
What are the worst foods to eat if you have AFib?
The worst foods are usually those high in salt, sugar or saturated fat, along with alcohol and large amounts of caffeine, because they can raise blood pressure or set off an irregular heartbeat in some people.
What helps AFib go away?
AFib does not usually go away by itself, but medicines, treatments such as cardioversion or ablation, and healthy habits like cutting down on alcohol, losing extra weight and managing stress can help control it and sometimes return the heart to a normal rhythm.
Is it better to lie down or sit up with AFib?
Many people find sitting up more comfortable during an AFib episode, because it can ease breathlessness and make the racing or fluttering feeling less noticeable than lying flat.
Is sleeping on your left side bad if you have AFib?
Sleeping on your left side is not harmful for most people with AFib, though it can make your heartbeat feel more noticeable, so you may find your right side or back more comfortable.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your heart rhythm, or you notice changes in your health, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, always call 999.
