palpitations

[scool]

Hi, I wonder if you can help. My mother had angina and had a stent about a year ago. She continued to have palpitations and all the cardiologists said that she didn't have AF and that her heart was now fine. She continued to suffer palpitations and occasional angina and used her gtn spray when it got too bad. However, now she has been diagnosed with AF [seems permanent] after a routine GP appointment to check her meds. Because of this, the GP has prescribed Digoxin and Apixaban and after two weeks her heart rate has slowed [average 80 but with peaks to 110]. The GP is happy, but she still has frequent palpitations in the night, sometimes with chest heaviness. Does anyone know what might be causing this?

[PleasantPink]

Hello, Just wondering if you have access to an EP cardiologist, it might be helpful. There are options for meds to be used on an as needed basis for break through palpitations. They call it Pill in the Pocket and use it like a rescue med, you only take it as needed.

[scool in reply to PleasantPink]

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to me. We have seen a heart rhythm cardiac specialist who has expertise in AF, but at the appointment, a few months ago, mum wasn't in AF. I will try and find out if she would be eligible for the treatment you suggest. Fingers crossed

[Maggimunro]

Hi, catching an Afib episode can be tricky, so a lot of us have had a 7 day Holter fitted. This is basically a very small ECG recorder which you wear for 7 days. Mine was issued by the cardiology department but I don’t know if a GP can get one for your mother.

[scool in reply to Maggimunro]

Hi, Thanks for getting in touch. Mum now says that she thinks it's the Apixaban that is causing her to feel so unwell, with chest pain and palpitations. I thought that Mum was in AF previously, but it didn't show when she wore a holter. Now she is in persistent [or permanent AF] so no need for the holter now. It's just that the GP seems to think she should be feeling better now that she's on the drugs and she's not.