AF - what can be done when an episode starts?

[LT2511]

I had my first episode last week after being diagnosed last Aug...no idea what triggered it...lasted about 4hrs and then went back to normal. I've no idea what to do when it happens, rang 111 and they told me to go to A&E for an ECG but by time I'd sat there for 4hrs my pulse returned to normal wen they ran the ECG. I take Bisoprolol and Apixoban daily. What does any one else do wen they have an episode??

[Hidden]

It can feel very uncomfotable while you have an episode of AF and I think the worst thing is not knowing how long it will go on for. I wouldn't necessarily look for any reason why you had this episode. It's a facet of the condition that it's unpredictable and often has no know trigger, though sometimes you can pin it down to a certain action, such as eating or exercising. It might be worth keeping a little diary of what you were doing shortly before it starts to see if there are any particular things which you could avoid to prevent further attacks. (I know I generally get an attack after some exercise and if I've become over-tired for any reason).

During an episode it's best if you can, to rest and relax as much as possible. Do as much or as little as you feel capable of. There's no necessity to go to hospital unless you have significant chest pain or are concerned by anything particular thing you are feeling.

[LT2511 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I suppose its just getting used to it as its scary when your pulse is jumping all over the place....and just wanted to know how other people cope with it or what to do

[Singwell in reply to LT2511]

People have different strategies. I did a post about this almost 2 years ago if you can find it - how did others distract themselves during an AF episode? I got some hilarious but also lots of useful answers. Best to stay out of A and E if you can. Slow breathing, relaxing music or a favourite film, keep hydrated, eat light, try to relax physically. Let friends know if that helps. I have a buddy system for when I start. Luckily my other half is very supportive too.

[Bagrat]

It is very unsettling especially when you are new to it. I have been told different things by different health care professionals. Consultant said don't come to hosp unless chest pain. Rest and if at night get some sleep!! A and E nurses said come in if concerned. Most folk here tend to try and relax and wait for it to pass. If you are at all concerned then get checked out. You will be reassured that it stopped on its own last time.

[LT2511 in reply to Bagrat]

Thank you, luckily I had no chest pain with it. I think I get a scared as had a heart attack aged 49 back in 2012, been on heart meds and fine since but then the AFib started Aug 21 and this is the first episode since then.

[Bagrat in reply to LT2511]

My huband had heart attack 2005 then ended up in hospital in Canaries 2011 with slow AF which turned out to be permanent. It seems more tolerable than when paroxysmal like mine ( but few and far between episodes) I just get a variety of short lived bumps and fluttery feelings these days. I don't underestimate how scary this must be for you but think it will get easier as you find out what is normal for you

[Hidden in reply to Bagrat]

Unless I have been in a deep sleep I haven't seen you on here for ages and ages. Welcome back.John

[Bagrat in reply to Hidden]

Thank you John. No no deep sleep. Had a bit of a psychological/medically weird 2021. Had stopped coming on as often as felt on an even keel. Still got weekly roundups and became a "silent witness". Actually posted first time for a long time 2 days ago. Just writing it down helped.

[BobD Volunteer]

AF is neither and accident nor an emergency it is a chronic condition and should be treated by your local medical team (GP and cardiologist etc.) If you have chest pain or are having difficulty breathing orare fainting then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Other wise ride it out.

[RichMert]

I started going for short walks which, reduced the incident time.

[Buffafly]

Distraction seems to work well, I have had a few episodes where I had to keep going because I had visitors at home or tasks that had to be done and AF stopped while I wasn’t ‘looking’ 🧐 But considering your history I definitely wouldn’t try to ignore the symptoms Bob mentions or any great discomfort apart from fear which you get to cope with eventually ❤️‍🩹

[malaekahana]

I would echo others to keep a diary. That is what I have been doing after I was diagnosed several months ago with paroxysmal afib. Initially, I was having 3-day or so episodes at a time. Then I built up my magnesium with liquid magnesium glycinate (from RnA Reset) and added some other supplements. I was taking 50 mg of metoprolol daily, but I am not crazy about it b/c of how it slows me down, so I am trying to taper off (currently at 25 mg) as I monitor the results. In recent months, I have had only one extended 3-day bout, and that came on the heels of a colonoscopy which required destroying my gut flora in prep for it. So now I am on a daily probiotic, too. I also started acupuncture and cupping, once a month. When I feel an onset, I take an extra dose of magnesium and a glass of low sodium V-8 (for the potassium), and I try a modified Valsalva maneuver using a syringe (you can find that on Youtube). On those occasions, after 30 minutes or so, the symptoms have subsided. I have read elsewhere that getting a metronome app for you phone and setting it at 72 (or whatever your normal resting heart rate is) as you meditate in calm can help. I got an app, but so far have not had to use it. So far, so good. I also got a Kardia mobile to add to my daily diary entries. I with you luck, strength, and wisdom moving forward.

[jeanjeannie50]

Sometimes people say, I was sat at my PC, or watching t.v. quite relaxed so why should my heart start playing up?

I believe we sometimes become so absorbed in what we're sat doing, that we forget to breathe deeply enough to satisfy our hearts demand and it protests. Another thing is the way we sit, e.g. slumped in front of the t.v. Wearing tight clothing around our waist could be a trigger as could a tight bra (ladies, we had quite a conversation about uncomfortable bras a few years ago).

Then there's all the nasty artificial additives and preservatives in what we eat and drink.

It's probably best to think what kicked off the arrhythmia attack, rather than carry on doing the things that cause them and then seeking a cure.

If you find yourself in AF, slow deep breathing can help, as can taking your mind off what your heart is doing (not easy) but the best thing to do is ask a friend to come round for a chat. The mind is so very powerful, far more so than we can understand. Look what happens when we wear a heart monitor from the hospital, we feel better than we have for ages and could climb mountains!

We take ourselves off to A&E and after a while we're back in rhythm. Now if we've been given a drug while there we'll claim that it was that which stopped the rogue beats, but who's to say that your heart didn't go back naturally? I think the reassurance of being cared for in hospital can put our hearts back into the correct rhythm.

Just my opinion.

Jean