AF or anxiety

[Whererunormal_29]

I'm not sure if I have AF or if it's just anxiety?!

[Hidden]

It is well known that anxiety can cause arrhythmias but not all arrhythmias are AF. The only certain way to find out is to see your GP and ask to have an ECG. Unless you manage to have it taken at a time when you know your heart is playing up, this might not work either so the next step would be to have a 5/7 day holter check but all this requires input from your GP or a Cardiologist......

[Buffafly]

What makes you think you might have AF?

[pottypete1]

Feel your pulse. If you are in normal rhythm your pulse will be a steady beat If you are in AF it will be chaotic.

As Buffafly said why do you think you are in AF?

Pete

[CDreamer]

It is certainly very difficult, especially when undiagnosed as symptoms of both are so similar and indeed anxiety can trigger AF and AF episodes can be very short lived so by the time you get to a doctor, they may have ended.

AF is an irregular, irregularity in the electrical pulses of the heart which can be confirmed by taking your pulse so if you can learn to take your own pulse you will feel your heart beat sometimes quite fast, pause, fast, pause, slow beat, fast. Some people fell what they call palpitations - which just means you feel your heart beats but there may be nothing dysfunctional about that.

You can also purchase your own mobile ECG which can be really useful evidence to take to a doctor - if you are able to capture the event alivecor.com/ Easily available and work with smart phone or tablet - cost about £100.

You may find this article useful as it explains when you may want to see a doctor

heartmdinstitute.com/heart-...

[Elaine1951]

As a Psychotherapist who has had AF episodes, the difference is v clear. Anxiety attack of v fast heart rate can usually be brought down quickly with AF it’s a very different story.

[Bagrat]

I understand where you're coming from and the anxious feelings are very real and scary whether the cause is functional heart problems or not. Taking your pulse is a good starting point.

If you have not seen your doctor I suggest your do, for help and support.

You will get better responses once you answer the queries posed by others above. We (with a few exceptions!!) are not medically trained.

Whatever is causing your symptoms controlling your breathing and practising mindfulness meditation will help. Lots of YouTube videos available.

[Kathy4478]

Kardia will tell you for sure. Inexpensive and you can send to your doctor.

[momist]

For me at least, AF is unmistakeable when I take my own pulse, you can feel the chaotic nature of the beats with sometimes quite long gaps and often very fast even when resting. If you can't be confident taking your own pulse, ask someone you trust to put their head on your chest and listen to your heart beating. They will know if it is regular, or just fast with anxiety, or truly the chaotic jumble of AF.