A-Fib with arm and jaw pain.

[angelkisses50]

Even though I have had A-Fib with a flutter for years, I still get very scared when it happens. I get left arm pain and jaw pain with every episode. I have had 3 angiograms and all were negative. My cardiologist says the pain is "my syndrome". My father died of a heart attack at 42 and my younger brother has already had a triple bypass. I have never had a cardio-version it has always gone back into normal rhythm on its own. The longest episode has been an hour, with 141 heart beats per min. My cardiologist acts like it is no big deal.

Has anyone else experienced this and how do you deal with it while it is happening?

Thanks

[PeterWh]

Have you thought of paying privately to see an EP? That way you will see the consultant themselves and get longer to discuss. Choose one carefully. You could always ask your GP tone referred to an EP on the nhs but You may get rebutted.

[BobD Volunteer]

To be honest I have never had pain with AF nor have most people with AF but it is not unknown. What I would say is that a heart rate of 141 for an hour is not what many people experience. This is quite a low rate as many have it up much higher sometimes over 200 and for days at a time. I am not belittling how you feel believe me but feel you should know that apart from the pain your symptoms are not that severe so I can see where the cardiologist is coming from.

I do feel that you should be seeing an electrophysiologist as there may be other issues which need investigating but having had three clear angiograms I would relax about heart attacks and try not to get too stressed during events as this really makes things worse.

Bob

[angelkisses50 in reply to BobD]

Thank you so much, you don't know how much better I feel just knowing that 141 heart rate is not a big deal, nor a long period of time. While on flecainide my heart rate was never over 60 so 141 seems very fast. Just hearing from people and reading posts of people that have the same problem makes me feel less alone. Next episode I will remind myself...this is not to fast and an hour is nothing. Thank you for the feed back.

[angelkisses50 in reply to BobD]

I looked up my cardiologist and he is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases, as well as by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE). He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). Additionally, he is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society, has advanced training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and a member of the American Heart Association and American Society of Echocardiography.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to angelkisses50]

Then he is a good man to see even if he isn't English (joke). They don't come much more qualified than that. Off to bed now here in Devon England. Stay well.

Bob

[Jfib in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob,

I find this fascinating and terrifying. Before being diagnosed with Afib, I had many bouts of sinus Tachycardia. With that, the standard was to go to the ER and be converted if you were running at a fast heart rate for an hour or more - usually anything over about 130bpm. I wonder then, what is the standard for Afib? I honestly can't imagine days of being at 200 bmp! I hit 160 in sinus tach and thought I was going to die.

[angelkisses50]

Sleep well....My Dr is Dr. Ashit Patel has lived in many places including England, India and ultimately the United States. He has lived in England...is that good enough??? lololol

[Mike11]

That sounds more like unstable angina. A poor (lazy) cardiologist could just be looking at your AF traces and ignoring an underlying condition. Have you had a Trop-I test after the pain has occured ?

[Cypbill]

Hi, I've suffered with PAF for just over six years now, the first episode woke me from sleep with chest pain radiating through to my back and jaw pain. Whilst I continue to suffer and the incidences have become more frequent from one every other month and lasting one to two hours, to maybe once a week for up to six hours. That said not all episodes come with the pain, when speaking to the doctors at A&E and researching via this website and the internet, pain is sometimes associated with AF for some sufferers not all. I have been told by the A&E people if there is chest pain to call an ambulance, but I don't unless the pain is very bad, as last week when I was admitted overnight. Its fair to say my cardiologist has a similar bad attitude and treats it as a matter of fact as if it was a cold or flu... his latest solution because my AF is a bit of a nuisance, total ablation and pace i.e. entire reliance on the pacemaker for a heartbeat, this very kind offer I obviously declined.

What to do, you really have to go with what you think at the time, if the pain is bad, ring 111 for assistance or 999 if you're in distress, as they told me in A&E better safe than sorry. As for your cardiologist's attitude, I don't know what to say as I have the same problem, some of these guys just don't seem to care or give a dam.

Sorry I didn't have anything more to offer, however I'm sure some other sufferers will have more positive experiences and advice.

[Hidden in reply to Cypbill]

Yes you describe how I feel when in AF exactly. My cardiologist said it is ok to wait 24 hours before going to A&E if the pain is not too bad but I lose my nerve usually and go before then even though I hate having to admit defeat! If it did not hurt I think I could cope - I will try next time!! Good health to you.

[soberhoumom]

Oh my word! I absolutely would get another opinion! Listen to your body! Keep us posted!

[Hidden]

I get pain in my jaw and neck every time I have an episode. My EP is aware and doesnt think it's significant. I did have a cardiac cath shortly after I was diagnosed as my stress test was falsely positive. Stress test was normal.