Atrial Fibrillation
Discussion
this is my username said:
Has anyone used an Apple Watch to monitor persistent AF?
I'm about 8 weeks in to it. Beta blockers didn't work, now on a calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem) which hasn't done much for the last 4 weeks but I'm now sometimes seeing a reduced heart rate late afternoon / evening (I take it in the morning).
Have been monitoring my heart rate using a Kardia device which is great but of course only works when you use it - I'm wondering about using an Apple watch (series 4 or later) to give me alerts when my heart rate drops. It sounds like it could be useful but since I haven't been able to work since this started I would appreciate others' experiences before I spend the money!
I have an apple watch series 6 it's the thing that noticed my AF I didn't notice the symptoms. I do now however because it's intermittent but that's a different story.I'm about 8 weeks in to it. Beta blockers didn't work, now on a calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem) which hasn't done much for the last 4 weeks but I'm now sometimes seeing a reduced heart rate late afternoon / evening (I take it in the morning).
Have been monitoring my heart rate using a Kardia device which is great but of course only works when you use it - I'm wondering about using an Apple watch (series 4 or later) to give me alerts when my heart rate drops. It sounds like it could be useful but since I haven't been able to work since this started I would appreciate others' experiences before I spend the money!
It notifies me when my heart rate drops below 40 for any period of time. Only happened once during the night. It also does an ECG at random times which was how I found out I had AF. No idea how accurate and/or useful this info is but it tracks it.
I've considered getting rid of the watch if I'm honest because I spend too much time focusing on my heart rate which makes me anxious and compounds the issue. I went for a long 10-mile walk the other day and AF started towards the end and my apple watch heart rate didn't drop below 140 for the last mile which freaked me out slightly.
I had AF on 1st Jan, corrected by Cardioversion on 15th, in Spain.
I am still taking Xarelto but stopped taking Amiodorone 3-months ago as it ruined my sleep as well as other side effects. I was checked for Apnea, but not an issue.
I use the Fibracheck app. on my phone from time to time, but things are ticking along normally, touch wood. I would now know what it was if I got it again, but the reports might be useful to show GP, or Cardiologist, if necessary. I try not to think about it in order to avoid being stressed by the thought of it recurring.
The plan is for me to have ablation on 7th December which has 80% efficacy. My Cardiologist is not at all happy with a “do nothing” approach as, while I feel fine, there is a 75% chance that it will return within 2-years.
I have lost 10kg to get my BMI back to normal and doing more exercise 3-times per week.
I am still taking Xarelto but stopped taking Amiodorone 3-months ago as it ruined my sleep as well as other side effects. I was checked for Apnea, but not an issue.
I use the Fibracheck app. on my phone from time to time, but things are ticking along normally, touch wood. I would now know what it was if I got it again, but the reports might be useful to show GP, or Cardiologist, if necessary. I try not to think about it in order to avoid being stressed by the thought of it recurring.
The plan is for me to have ablation on 7th December which has 80% efficacy. My Cardiologist is not at all happy with a “do nothing” approach as, while I feel fine, there is a 75% chance that it will return within 2-years.
I have lost 10kg to get my BMI back to normal and doing more exercise 3-times per week.
Don1 said:
Hi all,
Well 2 days ago I had a double ablation for AF and flutter. Yesterday sucked a bit (bit of bleeding around the femoral but not bad, sore throat), today is more about being a bit sore in the chest. Another few days of chilling out I feel!
4 hours give or take on the table.
Quick one for you! it took considerably longer for mine Well 2 days ago I had a double ablation for AF and flutter. Yesterday sucked a bit (bit of bleeding around the femoral but not bad, sore throat), today is more about being a bit sore in the chest. Another few days of chilling out I feel!
4 hours give or take on the table.
I hope you recover quickly, it didn't take long for me except due to a cath because of the length of time of the op I got a UTI which floored me totally.
Top of my leg was sore for a while but easy to manage.
It will be interesting to note your thoughts as you go forward, sadly for me it really did not work to the point I think I am in worse shape now, having said that
most people recover fully and never have any more trouble.
I have a review on Monday so I can try and find out what is going on.
Again, hope you have a speedy recovery to a successful procedure
Hope it’s successful for you Don.
Mine is intermittent still waiting on a 24 hours ECG and a heart scan before finding out what he next steps will be.
Apparently I’m quite unusual given my age (35) I’m hopeful I may be able correct it with lifestyle changes I’m sure anxiety plays a big part in mine.
Mine is intermittent still waiting on a 24 hours ECG and a heart scan before finding out what he next steps will be.
Apparently I’m quite unusual given my age (35) I’m hopeful I may be able correct it with lifestyle changes I’m sure anxiety plays a big part in mine.
Athlon said:
Quick one for you! it took considerably longer for mine
I hope you recover quickly, it didn't take long for me except due to a cath because of the length of time of the op I got a UTI which floored me totally.
Top of my leg was sore for a while but easy to manage.
It will be interesting to note your thoughts as you go forward, sadly for me it really did not work to the point I think I am in worse shape now, having said that
most people recover fully and never have any more trouble.
I have a review on Monday so I can try and find out what is going on.
Again, hope you have a speedy recovery to a successful procedure
Can you say in what way you feel worse now? And why you believe that it did not really work?I hope you recover quickly, it didn't take long for me except due to a cath because of the length of time of the op I got a UTI which floored me totally.
Top of my leg was sore for a while but easy to manage.
It will be interesting to note your thoughts as you go forward, sadly for me it really did not work to the point I think I am in worse shape now, having said that
most people recover fully and never have any more trouble.
I have a review on Monday so I can try and find out what is going on.
Again, hope you have a speedy recovery to a successful procedure
I am feeling fine right now, so I really do not want to feel worse. I have been told it has an 80% success rate.
How long is it since your procedure?
Another update.
Sunday sucked a bit, chest/muscle discomfort from them having to shock the heart several times during the process (I believe). By Monday that had gone.
The hip feels congested but the colouring of the hematoma is starting to go.
Aside from that, I'm starting to get bored, which won't go well (I'm notorious for pushing myself). Therefore I'm trying to be mindful of this and taking my time.... All in all, no complaints.
Sunday sucked a bit, chest/muscle discomfort from them having to shock the heart several times during the process (I believe). By Monday that had gone.
The hip feels congested but the colouring of the hematoma is starting to go.
Aside from that, I'm starting to get bored, which won't go well (I'm notorious for pushing myself). Therefore I'm trying to be mindful of this and taking my time.... All in all, no complaints.
rdjohn said:
Can you say in what way you feel worse now? And why you believe that it did not really work?
I am feeling fine right now, so I really do not want to feel worse. I have been told it has an 80% success rate.
How long is it since your procedure?
Happens more often, I get bad jaw ache sometimes when it goes bonkers, my blood pressure drop now when I am having problems making me light headed etc, I am sure I am the exception to the rule but it is what it is.I am feeling fine right now, so I really do not want to feel worse. I have been told it has an 80% success rate.
How long is it since your procedure?
I had a consult yesterday and they are going to get in touch again on a couple of months to track what is happening along with me keeping the Kardia prints for them to look at. They think it may be worth another go but I don't think I want to go through it again
Hi all, checking in. I'm now 3 weeks past the operation and feeling better and better, Except I have had two long AF episodes (both 24 hours after drinking a cocktail with whisky in?) Normally my AF passes in 30 minutes, but these two events were 2 and 3 hours respectively.
Doctor seems quite happy and the beta blockers did their job eventually.
Aside from that, I am having great difficulty finding a wearable heart monitor that actually works. Polar Vantage claimed I was at 50-65bpm when I was actually 145-165bpm. Whoop straps kept telling me to exercise directly after an event (useful). Both have been returned.... Does anyone have first hand experience of a good watch/wrist based HRM?
Cheers, hope all are well.
Doctor seems quite happy and the beta blockers did their job eventually.
Aside from that, I am having great difficulty finding a wearable heart monitor that actually works. Polar Vantage claimed I was at 50-65bpm when I was actually 145-165bpm. Whoop straps kept telling me to exercise directly after an event (useful). Both have been returned.... Does anyone have first hand experience of a good watch/wrist based HRM?
Cheers, hope all are well.
Don1 said:
Hi all, checking in. I'm now 3 weeks past the operation and feeling better and better, Except I have had two long AF episodes (both 24 hours after drinking a cocktail with whisky in?) Normally my AF passes in 30 minutes, but these two events were 2 and 3 hours respectively.
Doctor seems quite happy and the beta blockers did their job eventually.
Aside from that, I am having great difficulty finding a wearable heart monitor that actually works. Polar Vantage claimed I was at 50-65bpm when I was actually 145-165bpm. Whoop straps kept telling me to exercise directly after an event (useful). Both have been returned.... Does anyone have first hand experience of a good watch/wrist based HRM?
Cheers, hope all are well.
PLeased to see things are going well Don that's great news. Doctor seems quite happy and the beta blockers did their job eventually.
Aside from that, I am having great difficulty finding a wearable heart monitor that actually works. Polar Vantage claimed I was at 50-65bpm when I was actually 145-165bpm. Whoop straps kept telling me to exercise directly after an event (useful). Both have been returned.... Does anyone have first hand experience of a good watch/wrist based HRM?
Cheers, hope all are well.
I have an Apple watch series 6 when I'm in Afib it drops from 40 bpm to 120 in a second's notice. Other than that I do think it's pretty accurate. Any kind. of exercise though and it quickly shoots up to 160 bpm so I take it back a notch. I've no idea if it's 160 all the time or the watch counts the double beats
interesting timing
had a few instances of flutters last week, wifey concerned, saw GP yesterday.
thinks it’s AF so i’m to see a cardiac specialist for the 24 hour ECG testing.
haven’t had a repeat flutter this week yet (touch wood) but blood thinners probably heading my way
I’m 47, 6’ 4” and 22 stone. some lifestyle changes probably required...
had a few instances of flutters last week, wifey concerned, saw GP yesterday.
thinks it’s AF so i’m to see a cardiac specialist for the 24 hour ECG testing.
haven’t had a repeat flutter this week yet (touch wood) but blood thinners probably heading my way
I’m 47, 6’ 4” and 22 stone. some lifestyle changes probably required...
24 hour holter will probably show nothing. AF isn't a performing seal (but it is a bloody primadona!). Invest in a Kardia device - https://www.alivecor.co.uk/ - this is what has allowed the doctors to properly diagnose me.
Either that or try to give your body a good thrashing during the holter test - salt, booze, dried meats, stress, fatigue, dehydration.
As for size - I'm not far away from you and yes. Problem is AF will leave you feeling shattered - what do you do when you are that tired? Sit on your arse and eat food. Weight gain is one of the side effects of AF.
Either that or try to give your body a good thrashing during the holter test - salt, booze, dried meats, stress, fatigue, dehydration.
As for size - I'm not far away from you and yes. Problem is AF will leave you feeling shattered - what do you do when you are that tired? Sit on your arse and eat food. Weight gain is one of the side effects of AF.
JerseyS2000 said:
interesting timing
had a few instances of flutters last week, wifey concerned, saw GP yesterday.
thinks it’s AF so i’m to see a cardiac specialist for the 24 hour ECG testing.
haven’t had a repeat flutter this week yet (touch wood) but blood thinners probably heading my way
I’m 47, 6’ 4” and 22 stone. some lifestyle changes probably required...
I'm 35 Jersey 6-4 and 18 stone changes needed for me too. I think low carb will be the answer for me. had a few instances of flutters last week, wifey concerned, saw GP yesterday.
thinks it’s AF so i’m to see a cardiac specialist for the 24 hour ECG testing.
haven’t had a repeat flutter this week yet (touch wood) but blood thinners probably heading my way
I’m 47, 6’ 4” and 22 stone. some lifestyle changes probably required...
Don1 said:
24 hour holter will probably show nothing. AF isn't a performing seal (but it is a bloody primadona!). Invest in a Kardia device - https://www.alivecor.co.uk/ - this is what has allowed the doctors to properly diagnose me.
Either that or try to give your body a good thrashing during the holter test - salt, booze, dried meats, stress, fatigue, dehydration.
As for size - I'm not far away from you and yes. Problem is AF will leave you feeling shattered - what do you do when you are that tired? Sit on your arse and eat food. Weight gain is one of the side effects of AF.
I might invest in one of these Don thanks for the head up. Either that or try to give your body a good thrashing during the holter test - salt, booze, dried meats, stress, fatigue, dehydration.
As for size - I'm not far away from you and yes. Problem is AF will leave you feeling shattered - what do you do when you are that tired? Sit on your arse and eat food. Weight gain is one of the side effects of AF.
Kardia device is a brilliant thing. As Don says, a 24 hour or even a week long test machine will usually end up with you feeling Ok, as soon as you hand it in..BOOM ...
Kardia can be with you all the time, if you get symptoms record it and then you can download the pdf at your leisure.
I HATE my heart! but it is what it is.
Best of luck going forwards
Kardia can be with you all the time, if you get symptoms record it and then you can download the pdf at your leisure.
I HATE my heart! but it is what it is.
Best of luck going forwards
Athlon said:
Kardia device is a brilliant thing. As Don says, a 24 hour or even a week long test machine will usually end up with you feeling Ok, as soon as you hand it in..BOOM ...
Kardia can be with you all the time, if you get symptoms record it and then you can download the pdf at your leisure.
I HATE my heart! but it is what it is.
Best of luck going forwards
I have the holster booked in for the 5th Jan. Kardia can be with you all the time, if you get symptoms record it and then you can download the pdf at your leisure.
I HATE my heart! but it is what it is.
Best of luck going forwards
Does anyone else get high heart rates when exersizing I was lifting weights the other day and my Apple Watch had it in the 160s after a set
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