we question about normal Sinus rythm

[Davidc1075]

HI just had my Cardioversion on thursday and after 4 attempts they managed to get me into normal Sinus rhythm. So my resting bpm is now at 52 to 55. But it has gone up to 75 whilst sitting. Does this mean I'm back in AF ? How do other tell if they revert do you have to wait wait for the ecg or use a Kardia which I cant afford. Best wishes

[baba]

is your pulse regular rhythm?

[Davidc1075 in reply to baba]

yes it is. Just not sure why it jumped from 55 to 75 without exerting myself.

[riffjack846 in reply to Davidc1075]

I can always feel my Afib when I'm out of NSR but if you still are in NSR I'd ask my doctor about maybe a low dose Metropolol script. Stress can also raise a heart rate while sitting.

[sassy59]

I always check my pulse even though I have a Kardia. I can also feel when I’m in NSR.

[CDreamer]

The gold standard is an absence of P wave on an ECG but checking your pulse to see if it’s regular is a good indicator. Rate alone is not an indicator.

Your GP should be able to take an ECG to reassure you. Be aware that sometimes CV’s don’t last long for some people but the fact that you converted to NSR at all indicates that other treatments may be successful.

[Davidc1075]

Thank you will get that sorted at my docs. Love that people on this site can answer questions as they have been there before.

[pottypete1]

You can normally identify AF by feeling your radial pulse in your wrist. The beats would be chaotic. Although 75bpm is faster than before as long as the pulse is regular all is normally well.

Pete

[Davidc1075 in reply to pottypete1]

Thanks Pete maybe overthinking things

[pottypete1 in reply to Davidc1075]

All I know is that the longer AF is in your life the more mind games are played by this pesky affliction.

The more you worry the more stressed you become and stress is a majority contributor. Almost like an everlasting circle.

If you can put it out if your mind you should be able to relax and relaxing is often very therapeutic.

I started having AF over 30 years ago, have had countless cardioversions and more than an average number of ablations.

I do find even now when even though I am more stable that the thought of having an episode still fills me with fear. However at the same time trying not to dwell on it is the very best way of dealing with the fear of it happening again.

Hope you are feeling better.

Pete

[Paulbounce]

Hello David.

Your HR does change during the day. When I was in normal rhythm it much the same as yours is now - it certainly went up after a big meal.

Try the breathing techique 'in 1-2-3-4' / 'out 1-2-3-4'. Basically you say to yourself (breathing in) 'in' and then slowly count to 4 in your mind. As you breath out do the same when you exhale. Try it for about 10 to 15 minutes and you may find it drops your HR - it worked for me and is worth trying. Maybe play some relaxing music while you do it and may find your heart rate has dropped.

Paul

[Davidc1075]

Paul I was taught that a few years ago but that was to get my oxygen levels up. It certainly works and also naturally calms you down also lowering blood pressure for anyone else reading. I did forget about this so will get back to my daily breathing and relaxing exercises.

Thanks Paul and best wishes

[Desanthony]

Had you just eaten or drunk a warm drink or pulse will change during the day/night even when sleeping. If you can take your pulse and it is regular then you should be OK. If this continues go and see your GP

[Davidc1075 in reply to Desanthony]

Seems normal again around 52 but going to have an ecg anyway to see

Thank you

[Mugsy15]

Interesting that they tried a fourth time to restore sinus rhythm; it's normally three attempts then stop.

I'd be interested to know the circumstances that led to the fourth go in your case; did they tell you?

[Ducky2003 in reply to Mugsy15]

that occurred to me as well.

[Davidc1075]

Yes the cardio nurse that did it is a pretty cool guy. I'm a big guy so he decided to apply 'active chest pressure' then another 360 jules. Apparently not a common thing but it is in their tool box. And hey it worked so pleased. I heard him discuss with the other staff about the chest compression and I asked did I die in the operating threatre but he explained it was a way to reduce the distance to the heart to make the procedure more effective. Maybe a bit of karma as I was talking about the 1980s movie flatliners with Kevin Bacon

I am a firm believer that they have to push the boundaries to make advances in treatment.

[Ducky2003 in reply to Davidc1075]

I had that once. I think it was called transthoracic Impedance and they apparently used a towel to compress my chest. ...... boob got in the way first time 😁.

[TheProf]

mine does that most nights while lying down..regular 50ish jumps to 75-80. I can get it down with a valsavar manoeurvre which can take seconds or minutes

[Braygirl in reply to TheProf]

HI,which manoeuvre do you use? I try the bearing down one and the really cold water drinking nut nothing works. ☹️

[Goosebumps]

A kind lady off this site sent me her old Kardia when she upgraded, hopefully someone can do the same for you if you can’t afford one. Are you using a pulse Oximeter to measure your HR ?, if so you can see if you are in NSR from the rythym of the beat bar. If you don’t have one it’s a cheaper option to a Kardia, about £15 online. Added bonus of the oximeter is the blood oxygen measure which really comes into play if you get Covid.

[Davidc1075 in reply to Goosebumps]

I have a blood oxygen meter as I have a respiratory issue too. I didnt know about the rythm bar thought that was just for show ! Will take a look think I need to buy a Kardia will see if someone here is selling one second hand.

best wishes and thanks for making this site so great