help for a newbie

[fifi67]

I am new here, my husband was diagnosed with Atrial Flutter 4 weeks ago. He has been put on meds but nothing seems to be bringing his pulse rate down. He has an appointment at the hospital in February and I am worried that his heart cant cope beating this fast for this long period. Am i worrying too much?

[PeterWh]

Sorry to hear that.

In order for people to help you need to provide more info including was and now info, medicines, other issues, etc, etc.

[mrsg46]

Hi fifi67 I do understand your concern, it's understandable that you feel that a rapid heart rate could be dangerous if left too long untreated and perhaps your husband is very symptomatic, which is also a cause for worry.

You don't say if it was the GP who diagnosed your husband or a cardiologist, but it would perhaps put your mind at rest to firstly go the the AFA website and, between you, read all the very useful information you will find on there. Your husband could also contact the hospital where he has his appointment and ask for a cancellation or go back to the GP and have them try to bring forward his referral.

I hope you will find some reassurance via the AFA but in the meantime keep on posting here and there are many good people who will have the knowledge and experience to offer advice and support to both of you.

All the very best, Kate

[BobD Volunteer]

Very probably you are.

AF seldom kills anybody although sometimes it feels like it. Flutter is much easier to deal with so another thing in his favour.

You don't say what his heart rate is so here are a few guidelines. Normal heart rate is considered to be between 60 and 100. Lower is termed bradycardia (slow heart rate) and faster is tachycardia (fast heart rate). The heart frequently runs at much higher rates during exercise or stress and can cope with phenomenal rates for short periods. Many of us have experienced rates up to and over 200 and survived although I wouldn't want to be up there for too many days as it is exhausting.

I am guessing that he has been seen by your GP at very least to have this diagnosis and I guess put on a beta blocker to try to slow his heart. If not then please go back and rattle some cages.

If he experiences any chest pain of feels as if he is about to pass out then please go to hospital or better still call 999( UK)

Lastly February is not long term unless you mean maybe Feb 2018 so try not to worry too much as it won't help either of,you.

[fifi67]

thank you all so much. He was seen by the GP and put on Bisoprolol, Aprixaban and Ditiazem.His rate when he initally went in was 150 beats and now it is about 134(virtually constantly). He is seriously lacking in energy and enthusiasm(it must be like constantly exercising). he is becoming short of breathe even walking a few steps. not sleeping at nights and sitting up most of the night(because he feels dizzy), then in the daytime he will drop off,even mid sentence.

I have emailed my concerns to his GP, which he is due to see next week and hopefully he can get her to bring his appointment forward

[rosyG]

I would go to A and E if you don't get an early GP appt- might be best to do it anyway as they can contact the cardiology department to get advice re medication- perhaps turn up in the morning when Consultants likely to be doing ward rounds- Let us know how you get on

[Hidden]

I agree with what rosy g has said and get along to AE with the symptoms your husband is experiencing. I've been in a similar situation. You need to make the medics or your GP aware of just how the flutter is affecting your husband.

Sandra

[Vony]

Few of us are medically qualified to advise you as to whether you should be worried or not. This can only be determined and decided via medical assessment. Flutter is not always easier to deal with as it may be atypical as mine is. Only an EP can get to the bottom of this. If your husband is dizzy and breathless a lot this needs to be assessed. If his heart rate has been high for several weeks this also needs to be assessed to make sure it has not impacted on his heart. I would say that your concerns are well justified. Your poor husband..and you. He is blessed to have a lovely caring wife looking out for him and I hope things settle for you both very soon xx

[fifi67]

Thank you all.yesterday I sent an email to his doctor with my observations. Spent today at the local hospital as the doctor was not happy with his ecg and the fact that he is breathless. He has fluid on his chest, so on water pills. Lots of tests done and going back to see GP next week. She is also going to fast track his echo cardiogram. Things are moving on 😊