Singing solo & palpitations

Well...... I was looking forward to my first solo since my AF diagnosis in July ( just an informal soirée of about 15 people where anyone who wants to sing can get up and perform). Normally I would sing 2 or 3 songs, but fortunately decided just one would do yesterday. Usually I would be one of the first up, but the jolly ticker decided to start beating out of my chest and Ihad to deep breathe before I decided I was ‘safe’ to go on. I usually get very dizzy and feel faint, so I didn’t want to risk a fall.

I have felt faint & had palpitations a couple of times last year whilst on stage with my choir before AF was diagnosed.

Any suggestions anyone? Singing is an important part of my life and I don’t want to give up my occasional solos.

[meadfoot]

My father was a singer continuously from being a nine year old church choir soloist up to his passing age eighty. It was his life so I understand your concerns. He developed af in his seventies but managed to continue his choir activities up to just before he passed. He also had emphysema so breathing was an issue too. However he made sure he did deep breathing exercises before each choir session, which both helped his vocals, his af and calmed his mind. Keep singing.

[CDreamer]

I know when my AF kicks off my BP plummets - same with my husband - especially when standing. Avoid standing is the only way to prevent dizzy/fainting from low BP. My husband still sings in a choir and he can sometimes manage but recently had a bad spell after standing for a long time. It was decided that he was probably over medicated for hypertension so his meds have been adjusted and he now self monitors and self adjusts meds in line with his BP readings. It seems to be helping.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Many thanks CDreamer

[dedeottie]

Hi.

I know this feeling so well unfortunately. I sing in a choir and when I was in AF my blood pressure got really low and I couldnt stand and sing and quite often even sitti g to sing was a problem.lke you, singing is a big part of my life and I had got so I was worried about the performance incase I keeled over.

However following a partially successful ablation and with the aid of medication aswell, I no longer have this problem.

I was only thinking about this recently and hoping I dont have this problem again any time soon.

Are you on any medication to help with these problems?

[Hidden in reply to dedeottie]

Thanks dedeottie. I was only diagnosed in July and had Bisoprolol at the lowest dose for a week which slowed my pulse too much and gave me postural hypotension. Got a bit scared over conflicting advice from hospital& GP’s and being left on no treatment until cardiology referral which was not due til Sept, so saw a Cardiologist privately in August. Now on Flecainide 50mg and Apixaban 5mg, both twice daily with extra Flecainide as PIP should I need it. I’ve only considered it twice, but AF has not broken through for more than a few minutes that I’m aware of - one of them at the concert on Saturday.

[dedeottie]

My AF always broke through at the preconcert rehearsal, just when I needed some last minute practice! Im sure that when you are more used to your meds you will feel more under control.

Good luck x