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!
I just came back from my doctor visit, getting the results of the echocardiogram. Everything was better than average, especially the left atrium, my doctor was very pleased. He said there is a list of possible triggers a mile long for PVC's and PAC's. I don't use any caffeine, learned to avoid ginseng and most triggers, and haven't had a true afib episode in over 4 years now. So..last week or so, when I was getting all the palpitations, it scared me, I thought I was going into afib, and was very surprised when I was told I was in NSR with extra beats. When I had my two episodes of afib, it felt like someone let out a hundred butterflies in my chest, my heart wasn't really beating at all, or at least it didn't feel that way. I do know, after the PVC's and PAC's it did leave me out of breath, but that could possibly be attributed to getting so worked up over them as well. It seems as if it's a never ending battle, there are days I don't even think about afib, and then there are those days when I get palpitations..which does run in my family.
Yes, have Xanax and will use it when I feel too stressed..like who isn't stressed today. Glad you are doing better!! Oh and chocolate too :)
Stay healthy :)
Ivory