Hi. This forum has been a big help to me and answered many questions, but haven't found an answer to one problem anywhere. My HR is varying between 40 and 80 but my pulse is constantly erratic which doesn't bother me during the day but at night I hear it unless I use ear plugs.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago after a stroke añd take Apixaban. So far luckily I haven't had an episode. Is there any one else the same as me?
I don't have a lot of energy but it might be my age. Female 69 or side effects from Apixaban and Perindopril ?? Or is this the AF ???
I only saw a cardiologist at the time of diagnosis. My GP thinks it's not necessary for me to be seen again unless I feel worse.
What is my AF called and am I at a greater risk of having an other stroke because I am never in NSR ?
Written by
emsling
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I am a very little younger than you (1 year) and it’s not your age! I would be banging on your GP’s table and saying you DO want to see someone and preferably an EP. I am not a medic but I suspect you may need a proper assessment - when was the last time you had an ECG? What sort of treatment options were you offered? When was the last time you had an echocardiogram - or even a blood test? Do your monitor yourself? Do you know what your sats (O2 blood saturation) are? I know when I go into AF sometimes my BP crashes and my sats dip which make me feel rubbish but I have AF which comes and goes = PAF so it’s not like that all the time and I am waiting for a Pace & Ablate procedure to help cope with the type of symptoms you describe for about 10% of the time.
AF or Atrial Fibrillation presents with an erratic heart rate but it can be slow AF or fast AF - it sounds as though yours is slow. A ‘normal’ HR should be between 60ish, unless you are an elite athelete, and 90-120. HR of 40 will make you feel very, very tired and to be taking Perindopril I am assuming there is either a high BP problem? or an underlying other cardiac issue?
There may not be a solution to the AF as it sounds as though it is permanent but the least you can expect is to be advised of treatment options to ease symptoms and to receive regular monitoring and to be informed.
You know you can ring the AFA and ask for advice - they are SO helpful and may be able to signpost you the questions you could ask your GP and to specialists in your area.
Apixaban shouldn’t cause tiredness but Perindapril may?, don’t know enough about it to comment really. The AF can certainly cause fatigue but often people in permanent or persistent AF don’t suffer symptoms as much as PAF - which comes and goes.
Please do let us know how you get on and I hope someone with more experience and knowledge may post to help you.
Not a lot I can add to CDreamer's post but this is not acceptable. You do need to go and rattle some cages.
In answer,to your last question, no you are not at any greater risk of stroke. Having AF is the risk regardless of being in or out of NSR and the anticoagulant reduces that risk by about 70 %.
Recently, I experienced the same situation as you low pulse rate but not in nsr.
I spoke to my electrophysiologist, he put me on a monitor, which i take off tomorrow. However, I am on flecainide and diltiazem, the day I put on the monitor about two weeks ago I asked him if I should add 25mg of metoprolol he agreed and since then my pulse is
60-70 beats a minute range and I have been in nsr since adding the metropolo.
Well! I am shocked that you have just been left to get on with it.Really you need to be monitored regularly on at least a 6 month basis,I was told,to check bloods ,have an ecg etc. Particularly as you have had a stroke previously,although I see you are anticoagulated now which is good news.
Is there any other GP at the practice? You can ask/ demand a referral to an EP or cardio .A GP is not an expert in cardio matters.
I should have had an appointment with the cardiologist a year after my stroke but due to a very long waiting list I have been put back because there isn't any emergency or deterioration.
Sounds neglectful. As an American, I'm impressed with the knowledge and wisdom my friends across the pond possess. Our M.D. rarely great....better years ago. You know to manage on your own as preventative measure. So yes, demand loudly when necessary.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
confused
Confused 
Confused?
Confused and Disappointed 
Rivaroxaban confusion
