Hi recently been diagnosed with Afib so not very knowledgeable on the subject. For the last week I ve been short of breath and very tired I’m ok if I just sit in a chair but it I try to move around much it proves difficult. My oximeter is showing 62 for my heartbeat so can’t be in Afib can I ? Is they anything else I can purchase to monitor myself more accurately.
Thanks in advance
Hi Greatg.
The Kardia is used and recommended by most forum members. I use another type but that seems to be the most popular.
You wrote
"I’m ok if I just sit in a chair but it I try to move around much it proves difficult"
Have you been put on any new med's recently ?
Paul
Hi Paul,No I Am on the same meds’ I was put on when I was first diagnosed Apixoban, diltiazem and candesartan for my left ventricle malfunction.
Sure G. My advice is take a look at buying a Kardia - they are pretty good and you can record the readings to show your doc. Make sure you buy the real one (eBay is cheaper but you never know what's going to land on your mat).
The one use is the Beurer ME 90. I've always found it spot on although the Kardia seems to be the most recommended. I think that's the way forward for you.
Have a great day.
Paul
Thanks for that Paul I will have a look at your recommendations with a view to buying one
An oximeter doesn’t work well with AF so it is probably wrong. You can have slow AF but it still makes you feel poorly. As you mention LV disfunction I would say if you continue to feel very breathless you should seek more medical advice. I use a Kardia - great device!
Hi Greatg, can you let us know if you are in AF all the time (24/7) of if you have bouts of AF which come and go at random. I’m guessing it is the persistent/permanent type. With AF, the heartbeat is irregular, but it can be fast or slow. Whilst I agree a Kardia is one of the best devices available, if you are in persistent AF, arguably there seems little point in spending £100 unless your heart rate is variably irregular. The fact that you think you might not be in AF because your rate appears to be around 62 is interesting and I wonder what it is that makes you think that. Have you had a 12 lead ECG at a hospital, surgery or clinic. I’m thinking it’s more than likely because otherwise you would not have been prescribed your medication.
I know from personal experience that symptoms can change dramatically once a diagnosis has been made because although your physical condition may not change, when and if the fear factor kicks in, symptoms often get worse. Added to this the fact that AF symptoms are almost identical to some side effects from some medication, it can be difficult to establish which is causing what.
I know this wasn’t the main thrust of your question but as has been suggested, it might be better to seek further medical advice, especially if so far you have only been seen by a GP. Have you been referred to a specialist?........
Hi FlapJack I don’t think I am in Af permanently because most days I feel ok and can go about my days without a problem. Then on occasions I feel breathless tired and can feel my heart racing. I have been seen by a cardiologist but that was for my left ventricle which doesn’t pump efficiently.i was also hospitalised with my first Afib attack and had several 12 lead ECG whilst I was an inpatient. I’ve also had a echogram several weeks after my discharge. It showed I was in Sinus rhythm.
Shirley
Thanks Shirley, then Kardia or similar is the way to go. You probably know, but an Electrophysiologist (EP) is a cardiologist who specialises in arrhythmias and they are the best type of specialist you can see. for establishing a treatment plan for your AF. Unfortunately, in the current climate, appointments are not easy to get and waiting times can be long. If it’s possible, consider seeing one privately. It should cost less than £300 but watch out for tests as they are expensive and if appropriate, make sure they understand that ongoing treatment will be on the NHS. If you don’t already have one, you should be able to obtain a copy of your echocardiogram which will be extremely helpful to the EP. Also, if appropriate, think about lifestyle changes as they can have a significant impact on reducing your AF burden......good luck.
Thank you
There is a great App called Fibricheck on Google Play store that shows whether or not you are in Afib.First measurement is free then has to be paid for but I think well worth it.
AF doesn't always come with a high pulse rate. When I've been in AF, I usually get RVR but not always. Pulse oximeters are not always reliable, in any event as with the chaos of an irregular pulse, they dont always pick up every beat. In fact, when I'm in AF, I find it extremely difficult to feel my pulse at my wrist, which the arrhythmia nurse said was normal. My BP machine does detect irregular heart rhythms but only as with "IHB" on the display.
Welcome to the Forum Greatg, please contact the A F Association, we have very helpful Patient information resources, you may also benefit from visiting our 'Virtual Patient Educational Platform' to view the presentations by world-renown HCP's about AF. heartrhythmalliance.org/afa.... Some of our members recommend the Kardia Mobile for monitoring your heart rate - you will find all the details on our website heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
+1 for the Kardia. Any pulse counter that shines a light on your skin (like the oxymeter) will not read correctly when in AF because not all the heart beats cause a change in skin colour, since many occur while the heart is still substantially empty.
You need something that measures the electrical activity.
Apple Watch is one of the best monitors that you can use as it does ECG ( electro cardiogram) printable or able to be sent as a PDF to your consultant . In addition it will monitor heart rate , blood oxygen etc.etc.It will also warn you if you have a sudden episode of AFib and record it ….so for me it’s a real support!
Just wondering if perhaps it's not afib causing your breathlessness, but perhaps asthma. Any chance of that being the case, maybe even an undiagnosed case of it?
Hi SnowgirlNo it’s not asthma causing my breathlessness i am having heart spasms/flutters for want of a better word at the same time.its the tiredness that affects me most
I understand. I truly hope the breathlessness and heart spasm soon pass. Good luck to you.
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