PAF converting back to NSR very noticeable.

[Tommyboy21]

Recently when converting back to sinus rythm I can really feel it. Almost like a spasm. Today I went into work in afib to see how it went as I need the money. I get a fullness feeling in my head in afib. When I nearly converted I got the tense spasm feeling. Then again when actually converted after 22 hours. It shocked my workmates seeing me clench up . Anyone else get this Phoned arythmia nurse today told to keep taking dronedarone even though I'm still getting episodes at least twice a week after 3 weeks on it. Said she'd discuss at Monday meeting with cardiology.

[Singwell]

There is an event called the 'reversion pause' where our heart kicks back into rhythm. My understanding is that the heart momentarily stops. My other half held the Kardiamobile for me last time it happened because I was shaking so much. He said he saw it switch from an AF to normal reading. My sensations a bit different to yours: I feel like something is messing with my head - like a switch inside my brain - I can get faint, start panting, go red in the face and need to lie down. Once or twice the room started to spin. It's not at all pleasant I have to say but it doesn't last long. Make sure you sit or lie down when you feel it starting. Keep your phone by you in case you need it. I found out about this syndrome btw from the forum. Others get it.

[KiwiBlake in reply to Singwell]

Going into, during and coming out of AF I get a quivering sensation, not sure if in my heart, or the overlying chest muscles. More noticeable when lying flat on my back. My main trigger is stress, can almost feel those Fight or Flight hormones surging in my body, heart pounds, then 'whammo' I'm in AFib. If I don't go into AF straight away following stress, in my brain I get this feeling of impending doom and gloom, then go into AF. If I act quickly I can avoid AF by removing my self from the situation, go for a walk, listen to some favourite music, distract myself and prevent my self going into AF. My understanding is that the stress hormones remain circulating for a period of time (couple of hours?).

Low level stress doesn't cause me to go into AF. It's like I need to cross a threshold to trigger AF.

Cheers Blake

[Singwell in reply to KiwiBlake]

Interesting about duration of the stress hormone hanging out, even after the stress trigger presumably has gone. So we have to kind of shake it off in some way. I feel a rabbit hole coming on...

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to Singwell]

Sometimes when my heart converts back to NSR I get a strange sensation very like you get in a fast lift as it stops at the top floor and all your insides seem to bounce to a halt 😅.

[Tommyboy21 in reply to Rosemaryb1349]

Yeah me too and I want to grab something.

[KiwiBlake]

Just did a quick Google. Adrenaline is released first, then the stress hormone cortisol is released within 15 mins of stress, and remain elevated for several hours. Just think when we were cavemen, and the lion chases us, we needed to get away quickly, but remain alert until the danger has definitely passed.

The old saying "stress is the killer" is true.

For me I've got to keep the stress down and chill out. Easier said than done though.

[Jetcat in reply to KiwiBlake]

I wonder if cave men/women suffered with afib.? There diets and exercise levels must have been fantastic but their fears and stress levels must have been through the roof.?

Can you imagine going for a trip down to the local cave shop to buy the latest state of the art spear then end up getting chased all way home by a hungry angry sabre tooth tiger.😳

[Clarrie]

When I reverted to NSR I had a black mist come over me and felt I was going to pass out and if stood up had to grab hold of something to stop me falling. Eventually I started passing out and had to have a pacemaker fitted and now don't feel anything when I revert.

[President2012]

a prolonged pause on conversion from A Fib to NSR used to cause me to have a headrush and often a blackout. I was changed from Bisoprolol to Donedarone and it all stopped. I was not happy going on Donedarone but I have had no problems so far (9 months) and it means I can drive.

[Tommyboy21 in reply to President2012]

I've been on dronedarone 3 weeks now. Not working. To be fair every med I've had so far seems to have made me worse than without.

[Gertsen in reply to Tommyboy21]

I have been on dronadone for about9 month it has not stopped my AF but has really lowered my bpm and episodes .though long, are now very mild I mostly do not feel them. I am in AF at the moment and carrying on as normal. I do get more tired though.

[dmack4646 in reply to Gertsen]

Hi, I have been on Dronedarone since august - I am similar to you I think keeps me in NSR for 2- 3 days the 12-14 hrs of AF never going higher than 120. Doesn’t really bother me - it keeps you away from AndE and right now I am happy with that,

[President2012]

sorry to hear that. We are all individual in our reactions or lack of reactions to meds. My EP said I may have to have a pacemaker eventually if the blackouts come back. I wish you well.

[Auriculaire]

I sometimes get a feeling of dizziness when going back into sinus . Mainly if I am standing up at the time. It does not last more than a few seconds .

[momist]

Look up presyncopy. When under obs with a heart monitor once, I reverted naturally from mixed AF/Tachycardia into NSR. The monitor flatlined briefly (I saw it do that!) and the nurses came running. I saw the bright light in my head, and knew what was happening as I'd had this several times before. It's such a relief to be back in NSR, but it can be shocking, yes.

[Tommyboy21 in reply to momist]

Yes I've had this in hospital before as well. I said to nurse that's me converted. Didn't believe me so I said well look at monitor then

[dmack4646]

I had that with Flecanide but not Dronedarone the conversion with Flec was pretty violent latterly and I would almost collapse due to the “pause” in the heart rate.