Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Hi,
I haven't posted here in quite some time, fortunately my afib beast has remained quiet the past few years. Yesterday, when I was out shopping, I noticed I was getting some palpitations. As the day wore on, they were getting more frequent, actually to the point where I thought I was going into afib. I called my doctor after I told him the BP monitor was showing the irregular heartbeat icon, and he told me to go to the ER. When I was there, the doctor said I was in NSR with extra beats, that they were PVC's or PAC's. I had two EKG's and two blood tests, everything came back normal and was observed for 6 long hours, with the same explanation, just skipped beats (JUST..they felt awful). So..my question is this, is this normal or just normal for people who have afib? I know my entire family has been bothered with palpitations, at least all the women, but I'm the only one who has afib. I take cardizem 120 once daily and aspirin, Xanax if I feel anxious. I will see my doctor tomorrow for a better explanation, but my main concern is how can I tell if it's afib or the skipped beats and are they related? The doctor at the ER said no..but I wanted to pose the question here since I think most of you know more than the doctors. Thank you all..and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I haven't posted here in quite some time, fortunately my afib beast has remained quiet the past few years. Yesterday, when I was out shopping, I noticed I was getting some palpitations. As the day wore on, they were getting more frequent, actually to the point where I thought I was going into afib. I called my doctor after I told him the BP monitor was showing the irregular heartbeat icon, and he told me to go to the ER. When I was there, the doctor said I was in NSR with extra beats, that they were PVC's or PAC's. I had two EKG's and two blood tests, everything came back normal and was observed for 6 long hours, with the same explanation, just skipped beats (JUST..they felt awful). So..my question is this, is this normal or just normal for people who have afib? I know my entire family has been bothered with palpitations, at least all the women, but I'm the only one who has afib. I take cardizem 120 once daily and aspirin, Xanax if I feel anxious. I will see my doctor tomorrow for a better explanation, but my main concern is how can I tell if it's afib or the skipped beats and are they related? The doctor at the ER said no..but I wanted to pose the question here since I think most of you know more than the doctors. Thank you all..and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My afib, starts and stays for hours. When I put my fingers to my carotid artery or my left wrist, I can feel the irregular beats. My beats are quite erratic and it is easy for me to tell.
My bp monitor picks them both up as irregular heartbeats.
I sure hope this passes for you, and that you continue to stay in NSR!!
Yes, my afib was crazy, like my heart was just fluttering, not beating at all. These were somewhat different, just kept skipping. I think I got upset when my bp monitor showed an irregular heartbeat and I automatically assumed afib.
Thank you, have a great night..afib free!
I always had flutters after coffee. I'm a little afraid to rock the boat.
May your Echo be just the way it is supposed to be!!!
Yes, my doctor said many times the palpitations/pcv's etc., can spill over to afib. He was quite pleased it did not and the Xanax took the edge off enough that I did calm down. My being anxious was not helping the situation. I now carry a tiny pill case with a spare Xanax if I feel the palpitations. I should know the results of my echo on Monday, but my thought is that no news is good news. My doctor would have called if he felt it was urgent. It was just so weird to be getting all those palpitations and still have a NSR! I did midnight shopping, was up almost 24 hours straight, my sister and I walked for miles shopping, literally, and I was fine.
I hope you all had a wonderful, afib free Thanksgiving.
Ivory