Monitor

[Andy-f]

Hi,

Talked to my specialist last week, would like to use a monitor to record heart beat

What info would they get from the monitor, were would the info lead to going forward

Cheers

Andy

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I've had 4 ablations. Worn a heart monitor probably 4 times over the years. I just had my 4th ablation in OCT and I am wearing a 2-week heart monitor as I type this.

The monitors have improved over the years. The one I'm wearing is tiny (about 5 inches by 1.5 inches) and attaches with sticky electrodes vertically on the breast bone. No wires. And something new .... it's waterproof, so you can shower with it. That never used to be the case.

The specialist, I hope it's an Electrophysiologist (as they're the heart beat experts), but it could be a Cardiologist, I suppose. It looks at every beat. I think a computer analyzes the 2 week recording and focuses in on any abnormalities. The doctor interprets it and decides if you have something ... how serious it is .... and what steps to take from there.

It might spit out a report that says that 3% of your heart beats during the test were PVC's, a type of erratic beat. If you have AFIB .... it will find it. Lots of people have abnormal beats (most everyone). Many can't feel AFIB or PVC's, so the test will 'discover' them, if they are there.

Perhaps the test will only tell you your normal.

[Andy-f in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

ThanksThey say I have a fib but I don’t feel episodes that many experience, had a failed cardio version just before Christmas

Do you have an enlarged heart

Sorry for the questions

Andy

[The_Lord_is_with_Us in reply to Andy-f]

I've had close to a dozen cardioversions. None of them were successful for the longterm.

My heart is structurally sound ... no enlargement. Although, large atrium chambers outside normal parameters can cause AFIB.

If you're AFIB episodes start coming regularly, like mine did, then you have a decision to make: take anti-arrhythmic drugs to keep it at bay. Or, schedule an ablation.

I don't like drugs ... and I was an active, young feeling 55-year-old. So, my decision was ablation, which I don't regret. 3rd one gave me 10 years of normalcy. This last one may cure me.

Good Luck! Andy. If AFIB only comes once in a blue moon ..... then you can probably use Flecainide or some other pill-in-the-pocket drug to 'normalize' your heart ... and go about your business. Hope yours is mild.

[Andy-f in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

HiDid you not feel Afib / irregular heart beat in the beginning

[The_Lord_is_with_Us in reply to Andy-f]

I can always feel AFIB. Don't need a cell-phone monitor. Just put your finger on the side of neck at artery (beside the Adam's apple) and you can feel the erratic pulse very well.

[Buffafly]

I had a monitor to check whether I had pauses in heartbeat and how many episodes of AF I had. I was disappointed because I didn’t notice any AF while I had it but the report said I had frequent episodes so although I didn’t feel them it showed why I didn’t feel well, and no pauses so I wasn’t given a pacemaker.

[Andy-f in reply to Buffafly]

You mentioned that you felt unwellIn what way did you feel badly

Andy

[Buffafly in reply to Andy-f]

Tired and breathless.

[BobD Volunteer]

Many people with AF are asymptomatic and quite unaware they have it. This is a bad thing as one of the risk factors with AF is increased stroke risk, five times normal.

If the monitor shows that you have AF the normal chain of events would be an echocardiogram to check that your heart is structurally and mechanically normal and then drugs to keep you heart rate normal (say around 70bpm) . You will also be assessed on something known as CHADS2VASC2 which uses comorbidities such as high blood pressure, age , general heart health etc to cone uop with a number and depending on that number you will likely need to take anticoagulants for life to reduce your likelyhood of stroke. This is NOT the worry it might seem and so many of us have been hapily and thankfully taking them for many years.

For more information on AF in general please go to AF Association mainwebsite or just click on Useful Links under pinned posts to the right of the screen.

[Hidden]

Holter monitors (24 hrs or 7days) are often normal.

I’m not sure whether your AFib is paroxysmal (PAF) which is episodes coming and going, or persistent AFib (continuous).

If you have PAF, there may be evidence of periodic delay in conduction known as heart block.

The results can give an indication of preferred management, whether medication, ablation, or pacemaker or all three.

[Barb1]

When you day a failed CV, do you mean that the heart did not revert to SR at all, in which case an ablation would not normally be offered. Uncontrolled AF can lead to an enlarged heart, DCM, dilated cardiomyopathy but that can go back to normal when the AF is treated.

[Andy-f]

Thanks for the reply’s I’m sure ifs constant AF, but don’t get the symptoms coming and going like others do

Like Lord I’m out of breath when doing things and weak especially when trying to lift items

Was tired all the time at the start but don’t seam as bad now, not needing naps all the time,

Andy

[TracyAdmin Partner]

You may find the Kardia Monitor helpful in providing an ECG in approx 30 seconds to detect your heart rhythm, the data can also be shared with your medical team. Visit our AFA website for further [e-mail] or call our helpline 01789 867 502 for further advise

[Andy-f]

Barb1Yes I have been told I have a enlarged left hand side of the heart

Andy

[Andy-f]

TraceyThanks for that, woo I will take a look

Andy

[Andy-f]

Hi

If you use the Kardia monitor how do you interpret the results

Andy