I can't tell the difference between Afib, PAC's, Tachycardia, atrial flutter, etc.

[Dixiegurl]

I can't tell the difference between a fib, PAC's, tachycardia, atrial flutter Etc. All of them are equally crippling to me I just cannot seem to function. If I go to ER I am diagnosed with one or the other but I'm always told to come back if I think its afib. How do I tell the difference?

[BobD Volunteer]

Learn to take your pulse. AF is always an irregular and irregular non rhythm. Ectopics are like missed beats and tachycardia is a regular fast beat as can flutter be.

[Buffafly]

If you can't understand your pulse a Kardia would help but as you have only recently had an ablation you should be resting up so maybe your body is trying to tell you that. Even if it's AF you can 'relax' at home unless you feel faint, have chest pain etc even while resting. I say 'relax' because all arrhythmias are stressful but anxiety makes them worse 😰

[Dixiegurl in reply to Buffafly]

Yes! I am finding that out. If my "nerves" get bad and the fears start creeping in I will get arrythmias every time. Even afib. How do you control the anxiety, it's so hard..

[CDreamer in reply to Dixiegurl]

Regular practice of Mindfulness, CBT, breathing exercises, Meditation? There is a whole host of strategies but you do need to be pro-active.

[Hidden]

Stop becoming obsessed with your heart. The heart is the most sensitive organ to anything that goes on in your mind. None of those arrhythmias that you mentioned will kill you as long as you take an anticoagulant. The only way to tell the difference among them, is by having an EKG but that is academic. You will survive regardless.