Menopause and AF

[SpritzerAce]

Hi all. Can I also ask the ladies in this group on hear palpitations and AF. It may sound like a silly question but what the heck I’ll ask anyway. 😀 When they say for most ladies one of the symptoms during your pre-menopause phase is heart palpitations, how do you differentiate or ensure that the normal palpitations caused by your pms will not lead to a full blown AF (if you are already diagnosed with AF). How do you cope during this period? Thanks in advance.

[Tessybear]

Hi I know exactly what you mean. I’ve started getting palpitations- post menopausal, but still apparently ‘normal’. It makes me panic thinking AF is coming back.

I guess the only way to know for sure whether palpitations are AF is by catching them on an ECG, which if they are randomly happening is difficult to achieve!!

I have been taking my pulse when the palpitations happen, and it is in the normal range, but there are ‘missed’ beats. It doesn’t feel like the AF felt before I had an ablation, but I know that doesn’t mean it isn’t AF. I am due to see a cardiologist in a few weeks, so I will be asking these questions and let you know what he says!

[SpritzerAce in reply to Tessybear]

Thanks. Would appreciate that very much.

[BobD Volunteer]

Firstly, palpitations just means that you are aware of your heart. AF is a quite different kettle of fish and easily felt as a completely random and irregular pulse so learn to understand taking your pulse. Ectopic or missed beats are also not AF and never can be. Try not to worry about them if they happen as stress only increases their possibility.

[SpritzerAce in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I have a problem that I will start to get nervous whenever I have palpitations even though Kardia will tell me it is normal reading with a few ‘uneven’ beats showing. In my case I am worried coz more often than not my palpitations will lead to AF 😢.

[Buffafly in reply to SpritzerAce]

I'm with you, if I have frequent ectopics it is often the precursor to an AF episode and sometimes an episode starts with some ectopics and settles 🙄 into AF. I think it is an indication of irritation of the heart which can lead to either or both conditions. I have had ectopics since I had measles when I was 12 - I can be so precise because the first one scared me so much!

[Tessybear in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob, you always reassure!

I have been unsure of the difference between ectopic/ missed beats and an irregular pulse and am still not 100% sure which I have as sometimes I have a regular pulse with what feels like missed beats and other times, when it is at its worst, it seems to feel more random. I find it hard to control the anxiety when this happens and don’t know whether the anxiety is causing the random pulse or is it AF?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Tessybear]

Self perpetuating circle I expect. Really hard sometimes! Think nice things and positive thoughts.

[SpritzerAce in reply to BobD]

Yeah. You are right Bob. I really admire those here with strong positive minds and who can stay calm in such situations.