I was out walking with a friend of mine this afternoon and she suddenly felt quite ill and thought she was going to faint, thankfully she didn't! And managed to get home. She has AF and her heart rate went from 66 to 72. I would have thought that was perfectly ok and that she wasn't in AF but she took her PIP and insists her rate shouldn't go higher than 66. Is she over reacting? I think she is but she didn't look very well and now feels off colour and tired. HR back to 66. Any ideas ? As I have recently been posting about my HR I know how scary it is so don't want to poo poo her fears but rather offer reassurance.
Thanks,
Stephanietee
It does seem odd that an increase from 66 to 72 would cause that much of a difference unless the rhythm became erratic. My AF doesn't always appear in the form of a rapid pulse - erratic alone is enough to make me feel wiped out. You don't say whether the rhythm of your friend's heartbeat changed? If it didn't, she may want to see her GP to find out if anything else is going on.
I wouldn't let her get hung up on a particular heart rate of 66 otherwise that's going to cause immediate panic. Rates can vary just through everyday life.
Hope that helps.
Caroline
She didn't say it was erratic just felt very unwell. She does have other problems so if it happens again I will encourage a gp
Visit.
Thanks
Stephanietee
Encourage a GP visit now. Better to start sooner than later. They can arrange 48 hour or 7 day holter.