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.

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janni1234 04/24/2012

Hi, My husband is the one with AFib, I am the caregiver. He was just diagnosed this past year. He has a multitude of other physical problems and takes a ton of different meds. He is now on Cumadin and Lasix. My problem is that I get very scared when his pulse drops into the forties, but don't know what an emergency is. He keeps telling me I don't need to call the EMTs until he is unconscious or turning blue. He checks his pulse with his blood pressure cuff machine. But from reading other posts now I wonder if that is accurate. Thanks for any help.
Jan

CLane 04/24/2012

Hi Janni1234 - I also get very low readings at times with a blood pressure cuff. There are times, if my pulse is irregular, that the BP machine says 36 BPM along with some in the 40s. I discussed this with my Cardio. He advised me that a pulse oximeter might more accurately count my heartbeats. Also, you could also take his pulse manually to confirm whatever the BP cuff reports. That might be your best choice since you could the beats yourself :) Good luck and Welcome :)

RN52 04/25/2012

You need to be concerned about a low pulse rate if he becomes symptomatic: dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, lighthededness, extreme fatigue.

janni1234 04/25/2012

Other than actually fainting, he has all the other symptoms every day: dizziness, shortness of breath,extreme fatigue. Most of these do come from other ailments, as he has Myelodysplasia and Myasthenia Gravis, in addition to HBP, diabetes and spinal damage.
Jan

RN52 04/26/2012

That certainly makes things more difficult. I would ask the doctor if there are any paramters that you need to follow as to when to call or meds that should be held if your husband's pulse/BP is too low or too high.

janni1234 04/26/2012

I did ask the doc, and he just replied "You'll know!"

pacyetep 04/26/2012

I would get a portable ECG if you want an accrate reading (and an idea if he is in afib or something else).

RN52 04/27/2012

Jan,
Be persistent with the doctor. "You'll know", is not a good answer." He should give you some type of guidelines on when you should call. Some meds should to be held if the HR is below 60. Other meds should be held if the BP is below a certain parameter. He should let you know if any of you husband's meds fall into those categories. I personally, do not see the need for an EKG machine, but it may be something you would want. Feeling the pulse at the wrist can sometimes be inaccurate when in AF because the beats don't always reach the wrist. A carotid pulse or apical pulse may be more accurate. You can listen with a stethescope on the chest for an apical pulse rate or feel the carotid pulse in the neck if you do not trust the BP machine. Practice finding your carotid pulse if you haven't felt for a carotid pulse before on your husband. It's not difficult. Good luck and don't be afraid to speak up to the doctor. He should have answers for you.

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