Relieving symptoms when in AF?

[Hel1958]

I had a really bad time yesterday, BP 100/50, pulse 180, felt really lousy, all I could feel was my heart trying to escape from my body. Lasted about 2-3 hours. Is there anything you can do to relieve the symptoms while they happen. I am on Sotalol 80mg x 2, plus warfarin 5mg plus statins, on waiting list for ablation. Just wanted to lie down and sleep.

[iris1205]

I am so sorry you are having such a rough time. If you are better lying down, do so! I know when I get up to 160-200, i have to stay still. Lower rates I can try gently "walking it off", but once in that range, it is quiet time! Know that you aren't alone, and it will pass. They always do, but the waiting seems interminable.

You can try the quick fixes other mention, the vasalva maneuver, putting very cold water on your face - I use an icepack on neck and face! It is all a roll of the dice, and worth figuring out what helps you personally. Hope you find some relief, at least you have company here!

[sann in reply to iris1205]

Hi Iris like you I have to lie down as I feel so ill, also like you I have an ice pack on my neck face and head and all in all that seems to work, I also. Try and do something to take my mind of it which sometimes work. Keep well Sann

[Hidden]

In the medium-term, if the drugs aren't controlling your AF, ask for a change? How many have you been tried on? I went through 4 to find the one that worked. One even gave me palpitations!

Just a thought.

Koll

[franksavage in reply to Hidden]

Thanx koll...

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear you've had a bad attack... I try basic meditation to try to take my mind off it and calm my heart - just controlling my breathing and counting my breaths - and you have to focus really hard, to try not to think about anything else, though that's difficult. Someone also suggested warm water with sea salt in it, which I'm planning on trying. If you do feel that bad, then lying down and sleeping might be a good option.

Lis

[David21]

One Contributer said that 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 10oz water did the trick. Worth trying (almost) anything

[Mrspat]

So sorry to hear about your problems. If lying down and sleeping isn't possible, try listening to something soothing or distracting through headphones. It was a tip I picked up from my husband who doesn't suffer from AF but from tinnitus and works for me to some extent. Somehow the headphones make you concentrate on the music rather than what's going on in your body.

[sann in reply to Mrspat]

Yeah I do that too Sann

[Finvola]

I'm sorry you've had a bad time - it's so miserable. I try to do something in my mind that I enjoy doing when I'm OK, especially if it involves a lot of detail - it helps me to concentrate on that rather than the carry-on in my chest. eg, I 'walk' mentally across the mountain and look closely at the wildflowers and birds - it is difficult and needs a lot of concentration . . .

Best wishes,

Finvola

PS My post didn't make sense - I live on a mountain in an area of special scientific interest.

[franksavage]

I have two sprays of trinitrate and lay down quiet...eventually theres a JOLT! AND THE BLOOD RUSHES THROUGH MY TEMPLES AND THE AF SUBSIDES.