AF and Heart beat

[higgy52]

Had cardioversion last week it worked ok at time, got nurse to check my pulse when i went for my INR check yesterday, she said your not in AF but your pulse is a bit irregular still.

I thought the two were the same thing, does any one know. Thanks 

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Higgy

I am sure that others will give a more technical answer, but AF is specifically when then atrial signal fails to set off a "heartbeat" from the ventria. This is typically shown on an ECG printout as a little "p" wave immediately prior to the larger heartbeat itself.

Imagine you are  throwing a duvet over a bed, you flick your wrists just a little little and the other end of the duvet moves through a much bigger arc than your wrists. Well electrically this is what the atria does to the ventria. A small movement of the atria sends a much bigger movement into the ventria which is then a heartbeat.

AF is defined as the two movements not being in synch, typically the atria can "beat" 2 or 3 times before the ventria makes one beat.

What I am hearing from your nurse, and forgive my crude attempts to explain, is that the atria and the ventria are in synch. but that the synching is not as regular as you would expect.  This is still potentially an arrythmia, but not necessarily AF itself.

I am sure that your specialist will explain better then me, I would however also caution that your INR nurse is not a specialist and that the only way to really check if you are in AF or not is with an ECG, and that regrettably CVs are seldom a cure, you are quite likely to slip back into AF.

Be well

Ian

[Rellim296 in reply to Beancounter]

It's a brilliant explanation of the P wave.

[higgy52 in reply to Beancounter]

Hi Beancounter, Thanks for all your feedback very interesting

[BobD Volunteer]

She wasn't very helpful was she? AF is an irregular irregular heart beat with no form or reason. You may still be having ectopic beats which show as "missed beats" on your pulse.  Ladies who take blood are not always nurses so I wouldn't put too much score on what she said frankly. No doubt you will see your consultant again soon and can discuss with him/her. If you are concerned that you may have gone back into AF then ask you GP for an ECG which will take away any doubt.

[higgy52]

thanks Bob

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What sensible and informative responses to Higgy52's question.  This forum is a mine of information - thanks everyone!