Rapid pulsation sensation

[Sambaqui]

I had a bout of AF a couple of years ago, confirmed in A & E after passing out briefly. I was put on an anti-coagulant and since then, and after a number of ecgs including a seven-day, I have had no further evidence of an incidence of the condition. I'm aware that this does not mean there have been none.

Recently, though, I have been experiencing brief patches of a rapid pulsation in my chest. This occurs towards the end of a night's sleep not long before I would normally wake up. When I check my pulse during these sensations it seems normal - so does that, I wonder, rule out tachycardia? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[Hidden]

Tachycardia is defined as a heartb rate above 100 BPM.

Have you been checked out for sleep apnea? often goes hand in hand with AF

[Sambaqui in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, yes, so it can't be that. I haven't checked for sleep apnea. I'll look into it. Thanks again.

[Hidden]

I get what I think you may be referring to. I get it sometimes when I lie down in bed, and my heart appears to be beating lightly and at a very fast rate, say 200-300 bpm, or about 3-4 per second. But I feel fine!!! I don't think they're actual heart beats, otherwise I'd be in a right state, perhaps someone else could elaborate.

I asked Dr Google and on here if this was Atrial Flutter, and it seems it is. I'm going to ask to see my EP again but haven't got round to it yet.

[Sambaqui in reply to Hidden]

So it may be atrial flutter. I've heard of it but never known what it was. Makes sense. Like you, I seem to suffer no ill effects but having been diagnosed with AF I was a bit concerned. It's a comfort to know someone else has similar sensations. I'll go online and read up on it. Thanks very much, Cyrtis.

[HiloHairy]

When this happens are you laying on your left side? Sleeping on the left side gives a number of us problems.

[Sambaqui in reply to HiloHairy]

I've noticed it can happen when I sleep on either side. It seems fine when I'm on my back. Unfortunately, it's hard to stay on my back the whole night. More practice required, I guess. Thanks for the thought, HiloHairy.

[Hidden in reply to Sambaqui]

Note that my flutters are also, unlike af, not affected by how i am lying. I’m usually on my back as it happens.