Advice urgently needed please...don't know what to do. AFib flair up

[DizzyD]

Hi have been in AFib mode since I awoke this morning. Highest range of heart fluctuations has only reached 120 (fitbit read) and heart rate is fast. Blood pressure dropped (BP monitor) but not into danger zone. Horrible pressure like discomfort in my head and in my chest. Have taken heart meds this morning thought they would stop the AFib but not so.

Spoke to BHF nurse and she so kindly suggested that I call my GP and get him to up my bisoprolol, but doing this would take too long.

If I take another dose of bisoprolol would this help stabilise the AFib?

Kind regards

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry but we must not advise re medication. A HR of 120 though unpleasant is not dangerous so best relax, deep breathing etc stay hydrated and wait for your doctor to get back to you once you call them. Should you develop chest pain or fainting spells then go to A and E.

[DizzyD in reply to BobD]

Thank you most kindly.

Yes I totally understand that HR fluctuation of 120 is not dangerous. I am more concerned that AFib did not stabilize after I took my heart meds. Anyway, I have now taken another dose of bisoprolol 2.5, so its just a matter of relaxed waiting time now to see what happens. BHF nurse, who is a professional medical person did indicate that upping my medication could resolve the issue but I simply cut out the middleman, namely my GP, for practical reasons. Upping dose today, was just a one off to stabilise AFib episode. Bit like, "pill in pocket" scenario. I have no intention of upping the bisoprolol on a daily basis....heaven's forbid.

Really appreciate your advise. Have a rewarding day

[Paulbounce]

I think Bob has answered your post. I certainly recommend the breathing exersises and seeing if these help you relax a little.

Good luck - try them anyway. It might help to lower your HR.

Paul

[DizzyD in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you Paulbounce.

Yes breathing exercises are really good. While being in A Fib mode this morning I was physically relaxed doing breathing exercises along with meditation, listening to sounds of wind, rain and thunder (love it)...even fell asleep at one point. But sadly I was alerted, woken up by pounding, racing HR. That's when I knew my heart medication had not worked.

Crisis over now...took another bisoprolol.

Here's hoping you have a lovely evening.

[Cigarboxblues in reply to DizzyD]

Initially when having Afib events, at the beginning of our ‘new life’, the raw panic can go one of two ways; more panic or less panic.That may seem simplistic but when you look back, it’s realistic.

As was explained before, there’s no medical intervention advice here. Ask the clinicians directly; they are your guides.

But here we are able to ask or answers questions in a willing and helpful space full of experienced people just like you and me.

You will learn to be mindful about you stats, however bad you think they are, and learn to know when to react or wait. The relaxation therapies are good but it’s all about the inside of your head. Be the best ‘scientist’ of yourself you can and improve your knowledge of how your own body works.

I prefer to ignore symptoms as far as I can, but that will not stop the banging and thumping or the stress.

I’m terribly tired after an AFib event and try to rest but work and life take a bigger hand in how I’m able to cope.

I have an Apple Watch and a BP machine and they are now my friends, but is was a while before I realised that I’m better to let them record rather than bully me.

I used to will them to show me better numbers but that just added to my frustration and confusion and anxiety.

As normal with friends they give you bad and good vibes but you’re still friends.

Coming back to your issue about what to do when...

It’s a matter of keeping calm, take notes if you want to (I do, with the help of my watch and his friend; my phone) tell somebody if you want but always talk to a professional when you’re feeling like you need actual medical advice.

When its over (just like you did today) tell us about it. A problem shared on this site is a memory of a shared history for another.

We might all be different but we are all surviving together. 🤞

[Buffafly]

I don’t think a Fitbit is accurate when you have AF (misses the ‘quivers’) so you should go on how you feel.