Newbie

Hello everyone I came across this site while googling AF. In October 2016 I suffered a minor stroke as a result of a blood clot. Thankful I recovered very quickly. I'm fit healthy guy not over weight and eats a healthy diet, I enjoy climbing hiking, running and cycling on a regularly basis. I don't smoke only enjoy a drink now and again.

I've recently seen my consult who looking into why I formed a clot. So blood tests and a heart scan in the next week or so. They think my heart produced the clog probably because of a AF attack, I did have a episode of a racing heart about 30 years ago, after undergoing tests I was told there was nothing wrong with me and to get on with my life, which I did!! Put the feeling I get from time to time too the back of my mind and got with life.

Then bang 💥 a stroke!!

Trying to capture the AF is proving to be an issue it seems, heart monitors etc don't pick up anything. If blood results don't give any clues and the heart scan dosnt either, let's hope so. Technology has moved on in the last thirty years, there is now a minor procedure to insert a microchip under the skin by the heart which will record heart rhythm etc for 6 months plus. Reading the data it stores is done via a scanner. A little like a dog chip 😊

Alcohol I believe is the trigger!!

It's interesting reading through your posts as nobody I know has experienced AF etc.

Any help and advice would be welcome. Regards Chris

[Walker1234]

Hi

I am new to the group

I had a blood clot in November and had a TIA that only lasted about half an hour scans etc could not find any sign's of a clot...every scan I had was clear

I have AF..my heart rate was 153 last Thursday..fast AF

I'm on Blood Thiners and Slozem...I came off beta blockers could not cope with them..my fear is a stroke

my friend had one and I looked after her for six yrs

[Polski in reply to Walker1234]

Welcome to the group Walker 1234. Keep reading - there is lots to learn here!

[Hidden]

Hi Chris and welcome. Like you my health stats and exercise regime made me an unlikely candidate for a stroke, but it happened anyway. You may be aware of a study of Orienteers in Finland a few years ago that found that they had a greater incidence of AF. For years I ran, cycled, Orienteered, did manic Spin classes and I developed AF years ago and then a full stroke in in July 2016. Lots of cardio can increase the likely of AF it seems.

My Polar RS400 HRM always picks up my AF in the gym. The best way of clinically capturing AF particularly if it's caused by exercise, is to do a Bruce protocol test. You will be connected up with ECG leads that display your pulse rate and heart wave form on a big monitor with a fast refresh rate. You will stand on a treadmill that every few minutes will increase speed and incline. A cardiac nurse will watch the wave form and regularly take your blood pressure until you go into AF. You need to tell them about your cardio fitness so that they will run the test longer, that's how they found that my AF kicks in at 155 bpm.

It's not the end of cardio work although you will find that your power output will drop during AF. Medical text books say that power output drops 30% in AF, whereas mine was 20% and over time in reduced to 8 to 10%. As an example I would do quite an easy 12.5km in 60 minutes on a Concept 2 rowing machine, but 12.2km in 60 minutes if AF kicked in. In December a production company filmed me clearing scrub with a volunteer group and, doing a session on a turbo trainer; the film will be seen by clinicians. The producer is talking to the client to see if I can have permission to post it, so if that happens in about six weeks time, I'll post a link in this forum. My Neurologist has cleared me for exercising on a rowing machine, static bike or turbo trainer and, brisk walking. She has me warned off inverted yoga poses, bracing my neck, tricep dips and kettlebell work; she is also interested in my AF (I couldn't wish for a better Neurologist).

Don't make that your last and only post. Come back and talk again, you're a stroke survivor!

[CaroleF]

So sorry to hear about your stroke, but good to hear you are making a good recovery.

The microchip you refer to is a loop recorder/reveal device (made by Mediotronic). I have one inserted about 9 months ago. To date one 'event' in that 9 months has been captured (very recently). No 24 hr./7 day monitor would have been likely to catch that. They are a brilliant bit of kit and stay in place (as a rule) for 3 years. I have had absolutely no problems with it at all.

If you get the chance to have one, then jump at it. They cost (the NHS) about £1.5k so I feel very fortunate to have been given mine.

Several people here have one and there are posts about them if you search but I suggest you only take notice of more recent ones as things seem to have moved fast in this field.

[Hidden in reply to CaroleF]

Hi Carole

My stroke effects only lasted a month or so. I count my blessing as things could of been life changing!! Thank you for the information on the microchip I'm pleased yours appears to be doing its job. I will jump at the opportunity if my blood tests and heart scan all come back negative.

I just want to get the the route cause and then deal with what ever options are available to me. Hopefully that want mean keeping active with the sports I currently enjoy.

I'm currently taking an anti coagulant called apixaban, 5mg dose twice a day, a precautionary drug to stop any further clots forming while investigations continue.

Best Wishes too you.

Regards Chris

[CaroleF]

I so understand the desire to get to the bottom of things and also the desire to get back to normal. I think everyone here has 'been there' at some point.

Here's hoping you will have your answers before too long. In the meantime ....

Stay well,

Carole