Hi peeps, as some of you know, I was diagnosed with Afib last year. Prior to this, I had had another type of arrhythmia for many years and had been under a cardiology dept for nearly as long.
My problem now is differentiating between Afib and the other arrhythmia. When I was first taken to hospital for Afib, my pulse was 186 and very irregular. On the second hospital visit, my pulse was 150ish and very irregular. Since then I have had what I thought was another episode with very irregular pulse and high heart rate, though can't remember what the rate was then. Unfortunately, the Kardia kept coming up with the unclassified reading so I was unable to get it confirmed as Afib, though I'm pretty sure it was, as it seemed very in keeping with the aforementioned episodes.
Apart from those, I've had other 'episodes' that may or may not have been afib - again, unable to confirm with Kardia. These episodes have involved a more normal heart rate but with what has felt like ectopic/missed beats - these have been similar to what I used to experience with my previous arrhythmia but I have seemed more intense and lasted longer.
It is so hard to know the difference, in the absence of having medical confirmation. Have any of you had the same problem, or know of ways to differentiate? Would be very grateful for any help with this. Thank you.
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Spangle14
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Your post left me wondering what the "other arrhythmia" was that you've had for so long? I had atrial flutter two years ago but that gave a rock-steady tachycardia of 155 or 105, so you wouldn't be having that. Fortunately, an ablation solved it.
Having been suffering with sudden tachycardia and tiredness, a recent echo- and two-week monitor showed a physically sound heart, thankfully, but still with a few conduction issues. I have a background of mild LBBB, although better than two-years ago, along with occasional 10-15 second bursts of "fibrillation-like" activity with tachycardia, bradycardia and ectopic beats. Overall, though, my cardiologist was happy with it all, and signed me off as he said nothing he saw concerned him. He recommended adding losartan to my rivaroxaban as a "protective" treatment, even though I have normal BP.
Thanks for responding Steve, I have, of course, been told what the other arrhythmia was/is but can't remember - I was told that the burden had not reached a critical point but was offered an ablation, nonetheless. I chose not to have the ablation and said that I would reconsider should the burden increase. Over the years, I think I have just accepted it as part of me and it didn't really bother me too much, as the risk seemed pretty low. I think it is only causing me problems nowadays because of the AFib diagnosis and not being able to differentiate. Whatever it is, it seems to come on during the evening. I got another unclassified on Kardia last night and am hoping that that eliminates it being AFib. Who knows. I am due to have a 24-hour holter fitted this week so will see what that picks up.
Have you considered sending the Kardia readings to the online Kardia consultant? Or to your own consultant? They may show up as unclassified because the Kardia algorithm is only programmed to pick up AF. However the trace will be able to be interpreted by a trained eye. Your holter monitor will pick the arrhythmia up, but only if you have an episode while you are wearing the holter, whereas you already have the Kardia readings....my EP is always ready to look at the Kardia traces if I take them to my appointments. Just a thought.
Kardia do have a good reputation and I was recommended it by an EP.I have had quite a few problems with it but that might be more to do with my living environment.
I have found the Kardia really useful. It meant that I could pick up AF episodes, so when the EP asked if I was sure I was getting AF I could show him the trace. The new updated Kardia software can also identify other arrhythmias so there are fewer unclassified readings. It is susceptible to electrical interference eg from phone chargers and some other household appliances but I have found the spots in the house where it works. I have a friend with an Apple Watch though, who says it's just as good!
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