Are these symptoms an AFib episode or very frequent ectopics?

[Ewloe]

Had cardio version in November after being in continuous AFib since July when I had heart attack/cardiac arrest/stent. So in sinus rhythm. Then this last week every morning frequent ectopics/missed beats. Yesterday ectopics started really badly. I’m not sure if it was the ectopics (every 3/5 beats) or if it was an AFib episode as my pulse - difficult to say if it was irregular or ectopics it lasted for 3/4 hours. Accompanied by breathlessness and fatigue. Also shattered after it had stopped. I’ve only ever had continuous AFib so not sure what intermittent AFib feels like. And as I say difficult to monitor pulse as it felt irregular I’m just not sure if it was feeling irregular due to extremely frequent ectopics.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Realistically the only way to tell is from and ecg. Why not contact your GP and see if you can pop down and get one done.

[JaneFinn]

Ugh I feel for you, sounds horrible. I know people say that sustained periods of ectopics makes them feel dreadful (even intermittent like I’ve had is unpleasant) so it could be ectopics. Especially if you feel like there’s some regular beats between the irregular. But like Bob says, the only way to tell for sure is to get an ECG reading. I hope when it happens again your GP surgery can help? Do let us know how you get on. Good luck and wishing you a healthy, peace filled Christmas x

[Ppiman]

When I get persistent ectopic beats, the effects on me are identical to the rare occasions when I get AF. I sent two Apple Watch ECG traces to the cardiologist I see of these and he pointed out the difference between the two - not that there seemed much to me. Luckily, I'm not excessively symptomatic but it is unpleasant and tiring with a constant sense of anxiety.

Steve

[saulger in reply to Ppiman]

Hello Steve. I believe that when in AFib the heart wave complex does not show the "P" wavelet.

[listerines]

Kardia device might help to point you in the right direction here - though like others have said ECG test would be definitive.For what it is worth I have had severe ectopics off and on for 18+ months now and long runs can be very challenging and anxiety inducing - that said I only ever have fatigue and breathlessness with high rate afib never with ectopics. Keep safe