AV block and Supraventricular tachycardia runs...

[Pitterpat]

Hi everyone,

Am fairly new here (diagnosis mid April) and my first post ... but have been reading you all lots and it has really helped me understand things and be less anxious, and you all sound so nice :). I have a question I would be so grateful if any of you could shed some light on what it means...

Bit of background: to my knowledge I have only had one episode of AFib ... mid April one night when my heart went really weird and fast (no reason I can make out) and I ended up in A&E and their ECGs said fast/irregular. The doctor said it was PAF. Started on Apixaban and 2.5mg Bisoprolol which I reduced to 1.25mg after about 10 days as BP and HR rather low. Since then averaged 100/65 and HR 55/60

Had an echo (all fine and normal) another ECG (normal) and blood tests (all fine). So I paid privately to have a 2-week Zio patch. Luckily I insisted on getting a copy of the results as when I saw the cardiologist he didn't say much just that I had short rapid episodes that might get longer but it was ok and I could come off the Bisoprolol (which I now have) and if it got worse I could go back on it.

So here's my question (s): The Zio Patch findings said predominant rhythm was SR and....

- first degree AV block was present. Slight P wave morphology changes were noted

- 8 supraventricular tachycardia runs (fastest lasted 16 beats at 185bpm, longest was 17 beats at 115bpm)

- some episodes of ST may be possible atrial tachycardia with variable block

I have looked up these terms so have an idea what they mean but I would love to hear your views on what they indicate. I know you are not medically trained but I would so greatly value any insights or experiences you can offer. I wonder if I do actually have AFib or something else - just a sometimes fast heart rate? Thank you so much

[Doddsey-UK]

Hi PritiIt’s a difficult one as I haven’t heard of all that medical terminology so can share anything about it.

I was diagnosed with PAF in 2016 after collapsing in the street one evening. I then spent the evening strapped up to machines and given intravenous medication until my heart went back into SR. When I remember back, I had had numerous episodes at work were I would be walking along corridors and gradually collapsing but put this down to long hours and stress at work. Repeat GP visits regarding heart rate feeling like it was going to explode out of my chest only to be examined and always then back in SR.

I’m on 2.5 mg bisoprolol now which seems to keep everything at a regular heart rate but have recently come out of hospital after having finally been diagnosed with a fractured hip instead of a groin sprain. Whilst in hospital I was told to stop bisoprolol as my BP was low and only needed it if my BP was high. Been home two nights, no more bisoprolol and this morning woke up with an Alert on my phone saying my heart rate had gone up to 154 whilst resting. I have started it again this evening as that seems to be the time my heart rate starts racing.

I’m sorry if I’ve gone off track and wonder if any of this resonates with you. But one things for sure, I will continue to take bisoprolol until doctors can be persuaded to monitor me for 24 hours for a week off the bisoprolol and tell me I’m not imagining it.

Sorry to be long winded

Lindsay