PACs instead of AFib

[brit1]

Started AF about 12yrs ago when an idiot dr overdosed my thyroid meds. Since then I have usually several episodes a year (lasts an average of 6 or so hrs and I take metoprolol as soon as it starts). I take hawthorn/magnesium glycinate/taurine/CoQ10 daily. Had my first episode this year in June and thought it was strangely a lighter episode than usual. Then 2 wks later another "light" episode that lasted just a few hrs and was able to count heartrate and was 112. Then last week had an episode early morning that lasted a couple of hrs and hr was only 90. Then a few days later same thing. So I called cardiologist office and the nurse said I was having premature atrial contractions not AF. Cardiologist told me to go back to take 25mg extended release metoprolol at night and get blood work done. So now I am wondering whether this is a good sign or a bad sign?

[mjames1]

How did the nurse know you had Pacs and not a fib? Did they do an EKG in the office? If it was just a phone diagnosis I would not trust it. So if this is the case I would go out and get a kardia 6L. It's a small device that easily fits in your pocket and allows you to take EKGs.

Jim

[brit1 in reply to mjames1]

thnx good idea about the Kardia will look into it. Nurse asked me alot of detail about the episodes so assume they can judge what it is (I was back in regular rhythm when I spoke with her which was another clue)

[mjames1 in reply to brit1]

I would still get the Kardia. If not for this time, for another. The nurse may be right, but she could be wrong. If wrong, your treatment program will be based on a false assumption. Good luck moving forward.

Jim

[Ppiman]

I get these "light" episodes, which not often are AF and more often runs of ectopic beats. They can be very brief or last for hours. My heart rate is maximum 130 during them, but often 90 or so. They are uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing, but no more. A single dose of bisoprolol definitely helps.

How the nurse could know what you had surprises me since it took three Apple Watch readings, then two Kardia readings to ascertain what was going on. My cardiologist discovered that the Kardia actually got it wrong twice, calling the ectopics "AF" with the Watch getting it right every time.

I would think about getting an Apple Watch or Kardia if I were you. I wouldn't be without both but can say that the Watch is the most convenient as it is with you all the time which makes the chance of recording an event much more likely. It's also a very useful device indeed. They can be had second hand at a good price - anything from Series 4 is fine, but you'll need an iPhone, too.

Steve

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

HiWhat is your dose of Thyroxin?

Why? Low or high TSH or thyroidectomy for cancer or another reason?

cheri JOY (NZ) 73

STROKE,AF,Thyroid cancer diagnosed at the hospital stay of 1 week.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

GREAT!

Joy 73yrs. (NZ)