48 hrs in AF

[TommoHFC]

Hi everyone. I'm 48 hours into my latest episode. My 4th one in 6 weeks since my diagnosis. My blood pressure is 98/70 and I feel rather weak. Is there a point were you need to go to a+e or do I just leave it because my only side effect is weakness ? I haven't seen a cardiologist yet I've got an appointment for 19th December. That's the NHS for you ?

[BobD Volunteer]

If you are fainting or have any chest pain then go to A and E. Otherwise most of us just ride it out. What meds are you on at present for it?

[Hidden]

Hi TommoHFC

Four episodes in 6 weeks, one 48 hours, this one 48 hours and counting, lowish blood pressure. Appointment not for six weeks, possibly going to be cancelled being just before Christmas. I think your episodes could get worse before they get better with assessment and treatment.

If it was me I would ring 111 and they would likely say go to A&E again. That is a chance to insist on seeing the on call cardiology registrar, which can be a good way to get in to the assessment process more quickly.

I’m guessing you might have played for Hull FC and that you are trying to tough this out. That might not do you any favours.

[TommoHFC in reply to Hidden]

Oyster

Your not that far out......

[S11m]

My blood pressure was 90/60 once, and that was considered to be cause for concern. As stated above, I think 98/70 would warrant a call to 111.

What is your pulse rate?

[Hidden]

Yes! You should be there by now. It's a trap ...in that ... you quote yr BP as now ...so what will you do if it drops further, wait till you pass out. Mine dropped to 76/50, and I was walking death.

[jeanjeannie50]

Drinking, water, should help raise your BP. I was told that once while in hospital.

Jean

[Alfieros in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Or some broth

[Japaholic]

When I was first diagnosed I went in twice and was kept in for 24hours and 3 days respectively. Now, after my ablation and all the experience leading up to that I say it depends on how you feel.

111 can’t hurt.

[Neerajmgr]

I think it the low BP which is causing the problem. You need to see the doctor if you are taking any hypertensive drug, the dose needs to be adjusted. what is the pulse rate . Go for an ECO test. check ur weight on a daily basis, whether there is swelling in lower limbs? I think the problem is something else.

[Cat04]

Get an appt at your gp today and get them to do ECG, then they can make a decision. I was in your situation ,did this and the gp called for an emergency ambulance to take me to hospital where the cardiologists and electropysiologist got immediately involved.

[CDreamer]

Doctors in A&E only get concerned when it consistenlty falls below 90 systolic. When in AF it is more or less impossible to get a obtain a good reading especially from an automatic BP machine. Yes you won’t feel well but as I operated for many years with a BP between 80-90 systolic but no one ever told me it was of concern and my GP of the time even told me I was ‘lucky’ despite feeling tired, I don’t think it is dangerous. When in AF your BP will drop but also be very irregular.

[CDreamer]

I would co tact your GP and get an appointment as soon as possible. If your GP is concerned then ask them to chase up your cardiology appointment.

[Cumbremar5]

Call emergency services are you on beta blockers ? That could be your problem

[LindaDaisy]

I agree with oyster. When I was in once they told me if I need a test or consultation you often get it immediately if you are in A&E or an inpatient but if I went home you go into the system and have to wait weeks or even months with the likelihood of cancellations. I always try to make sure I get all the tests like echos before I leave. But you do have to work at it sometimes.

[Hidden]

I asked my EP when do I need to attend A&E with my AF. His reply was up to 48hrs is considered safe but he said present at 24hrs as it can take 24hrs to cardiovert you.

Do you know what your heart rate is?

[TommoHFC in reply to Hidden]

My heart rate is between 80 and 100

[JacqRobs]

My cardiologist advised to seek medical help after 24 hours of symptomatic AF. Think this is because I'm not on a blood thinner so need to be extra cautious to avoid a stroke. If you're on blood thinners it's maybe less of an issue? I agree with the other replies, though - a 111 call can't hurt. Good luck!

[Algi996]

I had similar (two episodes) but I was fainting and falling over, smashing my face to bits.

I called my GP, who told me to go to the surgery ASAP, he took one look at me and phoned A&E and arranged for me to go in immediately, didn’t have to sit there and wait.

Second time was in hospital for 3 weeks.

Am currently awaiting an Ablation.

Ring your GP and get them to call you back.

[pat40]

Hi Tommo. i have had AF for over 3 years started after new hip op. my BP today was 158/111, felt dreadful after about 6 hours it dropped a bit. I have never seen any one but my GP. pat

[Jlaine]

Sounds like your meds may be causing low blood pressure! Someone should be looking at that.That's probably causing some of your weakness as well