Atrial Fibrillation
Discussion
It's a b
h.
I can be watching telly and boom! I cough as my heart goes AF and I can have many symptoms. 180+ bpm sitting still with mental blood pressure, same bpm but low blood pressure or the worst when it goes totally random with huge thumps but no radial pulse, erratic beats the lot, like a high jazz drummer.
Three ablations, two to the right and a joint left/right which was truly awful afterwards, lots of different pills to try f which pretty much non work and just make you feel crap
Do the pill in a pocket thing now and take it as it comes, bloody hard work repairing cars while it is going on though and when it settles all I want to do is curl up and sleep..
CV19 is a worry especially as I am asthmatic and have damaged lungs from pleurisy when I was younger.
Still, many worse of than me! Stay well
h.I can be watching telly and boom! I cough as my heart goes AF and I can have many symptoms. 180+ bpm sitting still with mental blood pressure, same bpm but low blood pressure or the worst when it goes totally random with huge thumps but no radial pulse, erratic beats the lot, like a high jazz drummer.
Three ablations, two to the right and a joint left/right which was truly awful afterwards, lots of different pills to try f which pretty much non work and just make you feel crap
Do the pill in a pocket thing now and take it as it comes, bloody hard work repairing cars while it is going on though and when it settles all I want to do is curl up and sleep..
CV19 is a worry especially as I am asthmatic and have damaged lungs from pleurisy when I was younger.
Still, many worse of than me! Stay well
Buy one of these bits of kit ( there are loads to choose from ), by subtracting your answer from 100% it will tell you how much CO2 your retaining. . . .the more you retain the worse you are ( sorry about being direct )
https://www.wish.com/product/5dd79deb801843c345891...
https://www.wish.com/product/5dd79deb801843c345891...
rdjohn said:
My story started in December, I was prescribed Fexofeanadine instead of Larotadine. I live in France, but in the UK, it is not recommended for over 65s. On New Years Day, my pulse went bonkers - 190bpm, but with huge gaps.
I drove down to Spain on 3rd January, but by the 7th, I could not walk a long distance. My treatment down there was exceptional (but a tad expensive) and I had Cardioversion on 15th as the consultant was concerned that would have a heart attack if left as I was not being helped by the drugs. As soon as I stopped taking the Fexofenadine, I started to feel more normal. After one shot of Cardioversion, the rhythm was back to normal.
Now back in France, I have been told to continue taking a low dose of Amiodarone and Edoxaban on weekdays. I am not very happy about this as I am able to exercise normally.
Has anyone successfully come off these drugs post Cardioversion? (I suppose that the unsuccessful might not be reading this )
This is the first in have heard of another antihistamine related case. My first episode was triggered off by a prescription antihistamine, it may well have been the one you mention. Watch Amiodarone. It is a nasty drug and not one to be on long term. I have heard that from several doctors and nurses and was taken off it once I raised concerns. A replacement was prescribed. I currently take rampipril, digoxin, bisoprolol, levothyroxine, furosimide and riveroxiban daily, and if that's all I have to do to stay healthy, so be it. I drove down to Spain on 3rd January, but by the 7th, I could not walk a long distance. My treatment down there was exceptional (but a tad expensive) and I had Cardioversion on 15th as the consultant was concerned that would have a heart attack if left as I was not being helped by the drugs. As soon as I stopped taking the Fexofenadine, I started to feel more normal. After one shot of Cardioversion, the rhythm was back to normal.
Now back in France, I have been told to continue taking a low dose of Amiodarone and Edoxaban on weekdays. I am not very happy about this as I am able to exercise normally.
Has anyone successfully come off these drugs post Cardioversion? (I suppose that the unsuccessful might not be reading this
)biggbn said:
This is the first in have heard of another antihistamine related case. My first episode was triggered off by a prescription antihistamine, it may well have been the one you mention. Watch Amiodarone. It is a nasty drug and not one to be on long term. I have heard that from several doctors and nurses and was taken off it once I raised concerns. A replacement was prescribed. I currently take rampipril, digoxin, bisoprolol, levothyroxine, furosimide and riveroxiban daily, and if that's all I have to do to stay healthy, so be it.
It is the Amiodarone that I am most worried about. I just want to get off ASAP. My French consultant sees it that I have a 22% chance of a major bleeding incident in the next 10 years. Being an optimist I see it as a 78% chance that I will be just fine.Actuarily, at my age, there is a 20% chance that I will die of something in the next 10-years. I would prefer that it is not from a dizzy spell while out on my bike because of the Amiodarone, falling, and then bleeding to death because of the Edexoban.
I thankfully don't suffer AF but VT and sometimes the VT worsens and I go into VF. I have a defib / pacemaker for the worse case VF episodes and am kept relatively normal through drugs...
I take 100mg of Amiodarone a day which I've been on for about a year now dropping down from 200mg as it was starting to affect my thyroid. I was on 200mg for about two years. As well as the amio I also take an elephant tranquilising dose of beta blockers!
Amio is a very nasty drug for some but for many not. I helps me enormously and I'm happy to continue running the gauntlet with it, for now. Saying that, I've been on other anti arrhythmics which didn't work.
I take 100mg of Amiodarone a day which I've been on for about a year now dropping down from 200mg as it was starting to affect my thyroid. I was on 200mg for about two years. As well as the amio I also take an elephant tranquilising dose of beta blockers!
Amio is a very nasty drug for some but for many not. I helps me enormously and I'm happy to continue running the gauntlet with it, for now. Saying that, I've been on other anti arrhythmics which didn't work.
Don1 said:
Jesus, some people have been in the wars! Anyone on Flecanate (maybe) as an anti arrthymic? I'm also in pill in the pocket approach, but in makes my brain itch when I take it. (Small price to pay...)
Yep, I was on 50mg twice a day but it just made me feel crappy so I now use Flecanide as P.I.P. job, the sweet spot seems to be 150mg when I get a bad run, takes about 20 mins to kick in and I feel battered afterwards but it is better than taking pills everyday in my opinion. (My consultant says it would be safe to take 300mg in one hit but I jsut tried 50, then 100 then 150 and that seems to be the sweet spot for me)Flecanide, yes, I was on it for about three years at 200mg.
Sadly though the arrhythmias eventually broke through its chemical cosh and then it was onto the Amio for me.
For me though, the beta blockers have a much more profound effect on me than the anti-arrhythmics do. Chemically governed max heart rate of 115bpm now for me and that is feeling sick about to collapse. 100bpm is about as far as I can go sustainably but I still manage to do 20+ mile cycle rides though!
Don't let it get you down, too much! It is all to do with attitude and mine is that things are now a bit slower, but so be it!
Sadly though the arrhythmias eventually broke through its chemical cosh and then it was onto the Amio for me.
For me though, the beta blockers have a much more profound effect on me than the anti-arrhythmics do. Chemically governed max heart rate of 115bpm now for me and that is feeling sick about to collapse. 100bpm is about as far as I can go sustainably but I still manage to do 20+ mile cycle rides though!
Don't let it get you down, too much! It is all to do with attitude and mine is that things are now a bit slower, but so be it!
Was diagnosed with an arrythmia back in 2016. Consultant said no need for meds but if becomes a problem speak to a GP and take Verapamil 40mg up to 3 times a day. Most nights and some days i can feel the arrythmia, doesnt bother me too much and goes again after 30+ seconds so never bothered with meds
Whats changed? Been having dizzy spells, lethargic, head like a fish bowl especially in the morning. Its slowly getting worse, I dont know how long, prob off and on over last few years. Garmin watch says heart rate is 40-45 overnight, its always been in the 40s when resting but does seem lower recently. Been working from home for 10 weeks, new job, corona virus, ex wife and drinking full on coffee every day recently might not be helping. Im 6ft 85kg, cycle and go to gym. Fairly good diet, though eat far too much chocolate/sugar
Ive called dr and had a virtual chat - they have put me on Verapamil 40mg as symptoms have hallmarks of arrythmia. Ive cut out the coffeee so now suffering a headache! Any advise appreciated
Whats changed? Been having dizzy spells, lethargic, head like a fish bowl especially in the morning. Its slowly getting worse, I dont know how long, prob off and on over last few years. Garmin watch says heart rate is 40-45 overnight, its always been in the 40s when resting but does seem lower recently. Been working from home for 10 weeks, new job, corona virus, ex wife and drinking full on coffee every day recently might not be helping. Im 6ft 85kg, cycle and go to gym. Fairly good diet, though eat far too much chocolate/sugar
Ive called dr and had a virtual chat - they have put me on Verapamil 40mg as symptoms have hallmarks of arrythmia. Ive cut out the coffeee so now suffering a headache! Any advise appreciated
Sorry to hear about that.
Staying hydrated makes a massive difference. First thing I do after I swing my legs out of bed in the morning is drink the pint of water that has been sat on the bed side table. At first it was quite difficult to do but now it is routine. This was on the advice of my cardiologist by the way.
Whenever I've been admitted to hospital for a heart event I'm usually low in either potassium or magnesium and have been put on a IV accordingly. I now take both as supplements, great big lumpy tablets they are too!
What did your doctor say about next steps? Things you need to ask for and have done are;
1, ECG
2, Bloods
if they come back ok, then..
3, 24/48hr holter monitor. This is a mini ecg recorder you wear along with the leads and sticky pads.
4, Stress test, treadmill or bike
5, Echocardiogram (like a pregnancy scan for your heart)
And finally a cardiac MRI.
If you have private medical, it would be well worth calling them and you'll get fast tracked for the above. If on the NHS it can take months between them.
And do not hesitate to call 999 if you are feeling particularly squiffy. No if's or but's, just call 999.
Most importantly, you are not alone with this, many have been there and come out the other side. Hollow words I know, but try not to worry too much!
Staying hydrated makes a massive difference. First thing I do after I swing my legs out of bed in the morning is drink the pint of water that has been sat on the bed side table. At first it was quite difficult to do but now it is routine. This was on the advice of my cardiologist by the way.
Whenever I've been admitted to hospital for a heart event I'm usually low in either potassium or magnesium and have been put on a IV accordingly. I now take both as supplements, great big lumpy tablets they are too!
What did your doctor say about next steps? Things you need to ask for and have done are;
1, ECG
2, Bloods
if they come back ok, then..
3, 24/48hr holter monitor. This is a mini ecg recorder you wear along with the leads and sticky pads.
4, Stress test, treadmill or bike
5, Echocardiogram (like a pregnancy scan for your heart)
And finally a cardiac MRI.
If you have private medical, it would be well worth calling them and you'll get fast tracked for the above. If on the NHS it can take months between them.
And do not hesitate to call 999 if you are feeling particularly squiffy. No if's or but's, just call 999.
Most importantly, you are not alone with this, many have been there and come out the other side. Hollow words I know, but try not to worry too much!
Edited by colin_p on Wednesday 3rd June 23:59
Edited by colin_p on Thursday 4th June 00:00
cheeky_chops said:
Was diagnosed with an arrythmia back in 2016. Consultant said no need for meds but if becomes a problem speak to a GP and take Verapamil 40mg up to 3 times a day. Most nights and some days i can feel the arrythmia, doesnt bother me too much and goes again after 30+ seconds so never bothered with meds
Whats changed? Been having dizzy spells, lethargic, head like a fish bowl especially in the morning. Its slowly getting worse, I dont know how long, prob off and on over last few years. Garmin watch says heart rate is 40-45 overnight, its always been in the 40s when resting but does seem lower recently. Been working from home for 10 weeks, new job, corona virus, ex wife and drinking full on coffee every day recently might not be helping. Im 6ft 85kg, cycle and go to gym. Fairly good diet, though eat far too much chocolate/sugar
Ive called dr and had a virtual chat - they have put me on Verapamil 40mg as symptoms have hallmarks of arrythmia. Ive cut out the coffeee so now suffering a headache! Any advise appreciated
dizzy spells can be associated with your worsening bradycardia. you're simply not getting sufficient 02 into your body. if you are experiencin dizzy/ LOC's/'off legs' moments, you need an ECG like today to confirm whats going on. had a pt with your s+s on my last shift. their heart was evidencing whats called type 2 2nd degree bordering type 3 heart block. It is possible the electrical conduction of your heart is playing up. the verapamil is designed to treat whats called supraventricular arrhythmias. either way, the situation needs investigation beyond a doctor holed up at the end of their phone. Whats changed? Been having dizzy spells, lethargic, head like a fish bowl especially in the morning. Its slowly getting worse, I dont know how long, prob off and on over last few years. Garmin watch says heart rate is 40-45 overnight, its always been in the 40s when resting but does seem lower recently. Been working from home for 10 weeks, new job, corona virus, ex wife and drinking full on coffee every day recently might not be helping. Im 6ft 85kg, cycle and go to gym. Fairly good diet, though eat far too much chocolate/sugar
Ive called dr and had a virtual chat - they have put me on Verapamil 40mg as symptoms have hallmarks of arrythmia. Ive cut out the coffeee so now suffering a headache! Any advise appreciated
however, your need would be met by an ambulance crew who would gladly visit you. please consider ringing as i am unsure you are fit to drive?
keep us posted how you do please.
Interesting thread, thanks for the contributions. I have AF and suffer from a dilated left ventricle. About three years ago I was admitted to A&E complete with 160 pulse rate and gasping for breath. I have never smoked and had always played lots of sports. I suspect my long term AF was the reason for my eventual heart failure, but the medics can't be sure.
Three years on, I take a cocktail of Bisoprolol / Entresto / Sprironolactone / Apixaban each day, and all seems to be under control. The main limitation is that I can't do any vigorous exercise - I just get breathless and start to feel dizzy and sick if I do (a steep uphill walk, for example). I can walk for ages on the flat, or play a round of golf without problems.
I've had to adjust to a much more sedentary life, and a larger waistline, but apart from that the drugs seem to be doing their job, and I haven't suffered any particular side effects. So I suppose a slowing down of the pace of life has been the main impact of my own issues.
Three years on, I take a cocktail of Bisoprolol / Entresto / Sprironolactone / Apixaban each day, and all seems to be under control. The main limitation is that I can't do any vigorous exercise - I just get breathless and start to feel dizzy and sick if I do (a steep uphill walk, for example). I can walk for ages on the flat, or play a round of golf without problems.
I've had to adjust to a much more sedentary life, and a larger waistline, but apart from that the drugs seem to be doing their job, and I haven't suffered any particular side effects. So I suppose a slowing down of the pace of life has been the main impact of my own issues.
Ended up callling 111 and advised to go to A+E Sunday arvo. Short of breath was a new symptom - dizzy, palpatations just getting worse. Couple of ECG's and a heart xray later, the consultant said all looks ok. They are getting me back as a outpatient for a 24hr holter. Apparently after i was diagnosed with arrythmia i was also sent a letter in 2016 for further tests? Not sure how that works as the last letter i actually received stating the arrythmia was within normal tolerance and no further action required.... 
I think its a culmination of getting frustrated with dizzyness so going cold turkey on caffine, sugary treats, general stress/anxiety of life and the verapamil just topped me off - consultant said i shouldnt of had this as prescription was 4 years old and its made my HR even lower, exaserbating the arrythmia....
Im still feeling off colour. Im the kind of guy who ignores it and cracks on head down so stress is probably a major factor i dont want to admit to here. Keeping off the caffine and trying some de-stress techniques too so hope the dizzyness is going to fade. Must say the wife is a good egg too, no visitors with covid so sat in car for over 6 hours sunday!
Thanks for the advise all
I think its a culmination of getting frustrated with dizzyness so going cold turkey on caffine, sugary treats, general stress/anxiety of life and the verapamil just topped me off - consultant said i shouldnt of had this as prescription was 4 years old and its made my HR even lower, exaserbating the arrythmia....
Im still feeling off colour. Im the kind of guy who ignores it and cracks on head down so stress is probably a major factor i dont want to admit to here. Keeping off the caffine and trying some de-stress techniques too so hope the dizzyness is going to fade. Must say the wife is a good egg too, no visitors with covid so sat in car for over 6 hours sunday!
Thanks for the advise all
I used to be the same, just get on with it. Now I pay a bit more attention...
Big issue I find is relaxing. Normally it's with alcohol, but cutting that out leads to.... Well, being unable to relax. Nothing else does the trick. Not exercise, yoga, meditation, or any other traditional method. I'm thinking moderation is the key, but currently the heart is lumpy and I've just woken up!
Big issue I find is relaxing. Normally it's with alcohol, but cutting that out leads to.... Well, being unable to relax. Nothing else does the trick. Not exercise, yoga, meditation, or any other traditional method. I'm thinking moderation is the key, but currently the heart is lumpy and I've just woken up!
I also had problems taking Amiodorone , it really kicked my Thyroid results into areas for real concern. I recently tried an antihistamine for hay fever symptoms and that also made me feel very unwell .
I had been taking Naproxen in the past for when my Gallbladder played up it was also very good for my osteoarthritis pain . This has been stopped as anti inflammatory drugs can have a dodgy impact on the other meds .
I am just starting to resume some investigations for something they thought was nasty in my bladder , this has involved lots of blood and urine tests and multiple scans .
I was having a camera up my old chap in March but they found a stricture in my urethra so that was escalated to a procedure involving epidurals / sedation and as a last resort a general anesthetic.
Then covid turned the world on its side and after my last scans the nasties had vanished ( blood clots was the suspected cause) and it was cancelled at 24hrs notice .
I am off to the hospital tomorrow for pre assessment and booked for the procedure to deal with the stricture and the camera in my bladder on the 26th . If all is well it's just an overnight stay , if they find a minor cancer it will be removed and my bladder flooded with chemotherapy drugs and then drained and it will be a couple of days stay and then a couple of weeks with a catheter and a wee bag in both cases .
I'm not looking forwards to it but it needs sorting as the stricture could cause major problems in the future and the bladder certainly needs checking .
I don't remember all this on the syllabus for growing up and getting old !
I had been taking Naproxen in the past for when my Gallbladder played up it was also very good for my osteoarthritis pain . This has been stopped as anti inflammatory drugs can have a dodgy impact on the other meds .
I am just starting to resume some investigations for something they thought was nasty in my bladder , this has involved lots of blood and urine tests and multiple scans .
I was having a camera up my old chap in March but they found a stricture in my urethra so that was escalated to a procedure involving epidurals / sedation and as a last resort a general anesthetic.
Then covid turned the world on its side and after my last scans the nasties had vanished ( blood clots was the suspected cause) and it was cancelled at 24hrs notice .
I am off to the hospital tomorrow for pre assessment and booked for the procedure to deal with the stricture and the camera in my bladder on the 26th . If all is well it's just an overnight stay , if they find a minor cancer it will be removed and my bladder flooded with chemotherapy drugs and then drained and it will be a couple of days stay and then a couple of weeks with a catheter and a wee bag in both cases .
I'm not looking forwards to it but it needs sorting as the stricture could cause major problems in the future and the bladder certainly needs checking .
I don't remember all this on the syllabus for growing up and getting old !
grumpy52 said:
I also had problems taking Amiodorone , it really kicked my Thyroid results into areas for real concern. I recently tried an antihistamine for hay fever symptoms and that also made me feel very unwell .
I had been taking Naproxen in the past for when my Gallbladder played up it was also very good for my osteoarthritis pain . This has been stopped as anti inflammatory drugs can have a dodgy impact on the other meds .
I am just starting to resume some investigations for something they thought was nasty in my bladder , this has involved lots of blood and urine tests and multiple scans .
I was having a camera up my old chap in March but they found a stricture in my urethra so that was escalated to a procedure involving epidurals / sedation and as a last resort a general anesthetic.
Then covid turned the world on its side and after my last scans the nasties had vanished ( blood clots was the suspected cause) and it was cancelled at 24hrs notice .
I am off to the hospital tomorrow for pre assessment and booked for the procedure to deal with the stricture and the camera in my bladder on the 26th . If all is well it's just an overnight stay , if they find a minor cancer it will be removed and my bladder flooded with chemotherapy drugs and then drained and it will be a couple of days stay and then a couple of weeks with a catheter and a wee bag in both cases .
I'm not looking forwards to it but it needs sorting as the stricture could cause major problems in the future and the bladder certainly needs checking .
I don't remember all this on the syllabus for growing up and getting old !
Best wishes man, getting older ain't easy, is it?I had been taking Naproxen in the past for when my Gallbladder played up it was also very good for my osteoarthritis pain . This has been stopped as anti inflammatory drugs can have a dodgy impact on the other meds .
I am just starting to resume some investigations for something they thought was nasty in my bladder , this has involved lots of blood and urine tests and multiple scans .
I was having a camera up my old chap in March but they found a stricture in my urethra so that was escalated to a procedure involving epidurals / sedation and as a last resort a general anesthetic.
Then covid turned the world on its side and after my last scans the nasties had vanished ( blood clots was the suspected cause) and it was cancelled at 24hrs notice .
I am off to the hospital tomorrow for pre assessment and booked for the procedure to deal with the stricture and the camera in my bladder on the 26th . If all is well it's just an overnight stay , if they find a minor cancer it will be removed and my bladder flooded with chemotherapy drugs and then drained and it will be a couple of days stay and then a couple of weeks with a catheter and a wee bag in both cases .
I'm not looking forwards to it but it needs sorting as the stricture could cause major problems in the future and the bladder certainly needs checking .
I don't remember all this on the syllabus for growing up and getting old !
grumpy52 said:
I don't remember all this on the syllabus for growing up and getting old !
Tell me about it!! Im 48, always looked after my health, prob went to dr three or four times between 20 and 40 - one of them was a broken wrist! Since then arrythmia, hernia, and a multitude of niggles. Also had my eyes checked yesterday as was getting blurry vision over last few weeks, thats got worse and need varifocus lenses aswell....Good luck with checks
Hi all. Interesting reads. I had some issues with AF, and have identified alcohol as the main trigger. Not immediately - next day, if I’ve overdone it, I will get the butterflies others refer to. I’ve investigated the vagus nerve as a culprit, worth looking up, and very much associated with the acid reflux mentioned earlier (and lots of belching, too).
My solution to knock the heart back into rhythm, and I stress this should not be taken as advice, but seems to work for me, is to do some exercise. A brisk walk or a cycle is usually enough. But cutting down booze and caffeine, getting fitter, staying hydrated, and losing weight all help a lot.
My solution to knock the heart back into rhythm, and I stress this should not be taken as advice, but seems to work for me, is to do some exercise. A brisk walk or a cycle is usually enough. But cutting down booze and caffeine, getting fitter, staying hydrated, and losing weight all help a lot.
ajcj said:
Hi all. Interesting reads. I had some issues with AF, and have identified alcohol as the main trigger. Not immediately - next day, if I’ve overdone it, I will get the butterflies others refer to. I’ve investigated the vagus nerve as a culprit, worth looking up, and very much associated with the acid reflux mentioned earlier (and lots of belching, too).
My solution to knock the heart back into rhythm, and I stress this should not be taken as advice, but seems to work for me, is to do some exercise. A brisk walk or a cycle is usually enough. But cutting down booze and caffeine, getting fitter, staying hydrated, and losing weight all help a lot.
hiyaMy solution to knock the heart back into rhythm, and I stress this should not be taken as advice, but seems to work for me, is to do some exercise. A brisk walk or a cycle is usually enough. But cutting down booze and caffeine, getting fitter, staying hydrated, and losing weight all help a lot.
if you have confirmed i.e. diagnosed AF, have you been prescribed blood thinners to reduce the chance of a stroke?
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