Heart Rate dropping during AF episode

[Octopus52]

Had AFib for 5 years and last week referred back to cardiologist as episodes are becoming more frequent. Last night my rate dropped to 32 bpm twice while in af. As I had never experienced this before I called 999 due to nearly passing out. Can anyone give me advice on how to cope with this until I see cardiologist please. I’m really quite worried as don’t want to call 999 every time this happens.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Octopuss.

This is called bradycardia - which means a low heart rate. Copy and paste from the Mayo clinic guidelines below for bradycardia

....If you faint, have difficulty breathing or have chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, get emergency care or call 911 or your local emergency number....

I`m sure these are good guidelines. However if you have concerns I would seek medical attention right away.

Best,

Paul

[BobD Volunteer]

Whilst I agree with Paul I would ask how you know that your rate is that low.? If you actually count your pulse then fine but few devices can be accurate when you are in AF. Fainting or chest pain do require investigation so can see no alternative to Emergency service.

[Octopus52]

Hi

I did use an app on phone. Paramedic checked it and it was 1 beat out. I realise not ideal but it was obvious to me that it had dropped by the very slow pulse I took myself and that horrid feeling of all strength exiting body. Cardiologist did tell me that when it becomes a problem he will ablate. Thank you for your support

[Hidden]

Did the paramedic confirm it was slow AF rather than heart block? AF and heart block can coexist if you have sick sinus syndrome. If you are still taking a beta blocker, your doctor may want to reduce the dose or stop it.

[Octopus52]

Thanks for that advice. I will try this When it happens.

[Octopus52]

Thanks Baba - I will. Not a nice experience is it!

[Octopus52]

Yeh I think this has happened in sleep as I have woken feeling very sick and shaky. I have ordered an Alive cor Kardia to get a proper reading. Expensive but worth it I think

[Octopus52]

GP upped Bisoprolol from. 2.5 mg to 5 mg per day plus 2 x50mg of flecainaide. I’ve now knocked off the extra 2.5mg of bisoprolol in case the extra has caused this - I presume it has but hospital said unlikely!

[Octopus52]

You have definitely had an horrendous time

[CmsUK]

Hi, you were definitely right in calling 999, in as you say, it’s the first time you’ve felt this. I’ve had AFib for 5 years and had a self elected ablation done in March this year, I’ve experienced some post arrhythmia’s which are expected according to my cardiologist and the wider feedback.

One of the arrhythmia‘s I’ve felt, which I never had before is Bigeminy/Trigeminy beats, I too went to my walk-in centre and was taken into A&E, which I found that due to these my HR would drop to 35-40, along with the BP... felt like totally drained, as the quick succession of beats, it has very little blood to pump.

The feeling is a deep throbbing in my chest/throat..

I used to be PIP with Flecainide and Bisoprolol, until it has settled, I take 2x50mg Flecainide and 2.5mg Bisoprolol, which controls them (Unless I am tired, when I may need another 50mg of Flecainide).

Strangely, when I asked the Cardio Trauma doctor in A&E about the bisoprolol reducing my HR too much, he said you’d think that, but it doesn’t work like that and it was safe to take the bisoprolol.

Hope you feel better after reading these posts and for info, I now have an Apple Watch, which indicates when in AFib and also shows the Bigeminy/Trigeminy beats graphically.

Kind regards

Craig

[seasider18]

When I was in to have my pacemaker fitted another patient had been in for a hip replacement and had been found to have a heat rate of 26 BPM. without having known it.