How often should we take our pulse so... - Atrial Fibrillati...
How often should we take our pulse some seems to take it quite often
Hi Barnes
I learnt this one the hard way, Never unless you need to is the honest answer.
By taking your pulse regularly it focuses you on the AF and not actually getting on with your life despite the AF. So my advice would be
Don't take your pulse
Unless, 1) Your doctor has asked you to record it or 2) You are having an episode and you are worried about your heart rate.
You already know you have AF, so you are not trying to diagnose anything.
I spent several months recording my HR and BP and should have listened to Bob D all along, he told me you only start getting better when you stop measuring. And he was completely right (as annoying usual 
)
Be well
Ian
Thank you for the good advice Ian I was hoping for a reply like this I don't take it like you said I know I have af karen
Ian I totally agree. Down loaded a pulse taking app ( not a fancy one) to my phone and it was like a magnet for worrying thoughts - have now kicked into touch, best thing I've done lately!!
Keep smiling Wendy B
Take it as often as you want, it's up to you. We're all different. I like to know what it's doing because it's only knowing that makes me feel better. I just had a year of very irregular pulse and felt it a number of times a day (didn't count, just felt it). It was always all over the place but nevertheless nothing ever happened, so just I got fed up with taking it and it also built my confidence that nothing would happen. Now I feel it maybe once/twice a week just to make sure the drugs are still working.
An EP said to me once it's best just to go with how you feel, and not to try and measure it all the time.
Don't know whether that makes sense! It's a personal decision.
Koll
Never as above. Don't let the af rule you, it is just something you live with. Having a fast pulse is normal for me.
Take it as much as you like ... you will soon get fed up doing it! You should then recognise the sensation of a fast or slow rate. Sandra
Thank you all for your advice karen
I did in the beginning but like Bob D says I need to get on with my life and stop worrying about AF. Im concentrating on staying as fit as I can be in prep for any procedure I might have. Got back on my stationary bike yesterday and today and unless my AF is making me feel ill I just carry on regardless.......
