In April 2014 ,after taking a Levothyroxine tablet... I was urgently taken to Resus with a ecg of 289bpm. I was kept on this medication for 5 weeks-much to my protest: I was diagnosed as Known Sick Sinus Syndrome, Sinus Pauses, Brady/Tachycardia, Chronotropic Incompetence. In July 2014 ,I was admitted to Hospital for a DDDR. My Consultant wanted further investigation and tests for near syncope. The DDDR was deferred. I had a Loop recorder impanted in December 2014. I have been back to hospitals 17 times for urgent treatment relating to SSS. I have finally had a DDDR implanted to stop my Bradycardia (recorded at 30 bpm) compromising my Beta Blocker medication. This was implanted beginning of December 15. Until now, I could only manage 1.25mg Bisoprolol to ease PSVT, Fast A/F episodes. Any increase made my Bradycardia worse. I had forgotten what a regular heartbeat was? So many Sinus Pauses, ectopics, Bigeminy, Trigeminy for long periods-Fluttering etc; etc; I was trained and had knowledge of all this.... But it is so frightening for my Wife and family. These bad episodes happen at any time. I will say stress has a great part to play in this syndrome...from my experience, physical activity and stress prevents occurrences. All my bad episodes were related to complete relaxation and from sleep? I now have a steady HR of 60 bpm (wonderful)... I am still having usual chest flutters, discomfort. My breathing is much more laboured. My heart is still taking off very fast regularly-up to 140bpm average (at rest) but, the medication (or other) can now be targeted to hopefully control this.
The one main problem throughout this -was Retro-sternal discomfort... this was not a pain or a ache- this was a pressure ? Because of this ,it was prudent to follow up to eliminate heat MI etc
I was able to give my medical personnel a accurate description of all the malfunctions before they were recorded on the monitors and telemetry... I could feel and recognise them all. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing..... but it can be reassuring also.
Never panic..... the heart is designed to take care of itself... help is only a telephone call away.
I usually wait 30 minutes for bad episodes to correct themselves.... if not 999.
I am pleased to live in a time when Hospital and Paramedic staff give 5 star treatment.
Blood thinners from the first diagnosis or?
My first AFib episode since diagnosis 
New to Site after Shock Diagnosis of AF
How long did it take for you to receive correct diagnosis of AF?
Is there a risk exercising hard when you have had an AF diagnosis?
