Awoke with racing heart rate, nausea, sweating, feint and dizzy. Nearly fell on route to bathroom and was struggling to stay conscious once back in bed. This was my worst Afib experience yet so asked my husband to call ambulance. They came within the hour, by which time my PIP (propranolol - a beta blocker) had begun to take effect - another first as I hadn't needed them til now. They were a super crew and left me feeling reassured, but I was afraid I could be taking up time for greater emergencies than mine. So my question is at what point do you call an ambulance and did I over-react? Hopefully if/when it happens again I'll have the presence to wait til the beta blocker starts taking effect, but is there cause to call an ambulance sooner with the symptoms I describe?
I know we're all different and I will be consulting my GP if and when he's available, but it would be reassuring to know if anyone here has had similar experience and any thoughts on this. Thank you.
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I would certainly call an ambulance at the start of these symptoms. With nausea and sweating this could have been a MI (heart attack). Taking a chance could prove fatal.
Thank you etheral, I find this very reassuring. Calling an ambulance is just not something I'm used to doing, and we're living in times where every last drop of NHS time is stretched to breaking. Guess I just need to learn I'm worth it too!
My Epiphysiologist tells me that afib isn't life threatening and as long as medicated it's best to sit it out as it won't cause a heart attack it's electrical disfunction of the heart and something completely different. He is a top respected professor in his field
While afib won't cause a heart attack, if your Ventricular rate is very high this will cause increased oxygen demand for the heart which if not available could cause damage. You also could have other factors such as Coronary artery disease which could predispose you to a heart attack. In women it is more common to experience nausea and sweating without chest pain while having a heart attack. Hopefully your Coronary arteries are clear and you are not at increased risk. A stress echocardiogram may be in order to help rule out any abnormalities. Best.etheral
I'm sure you did the correct thing with the symptoms you describe. I've had to call out paramedics when very compromised and they have always been fantastic as you have found. You can't take risks with your heart!
Thank you Jalia. This means a lot to me. There's part of me felt a bit foolish, but you're right, you can't take risks with the heart. The paramedics had wonderful humour too - they needed it when I read the oxometer upside down and though my oxygen levels were 68!
A long time ago years before the ambulance shortage, I had exactly the same symptoms with an AF attack and struggled to stay conscious. I had taken my pulse at my wrist manually and with a machine and both showed normal 62. I dialled 999 and paramedics soon came, one felt my wrist - it indicated a normal beat. They did an ECG and by then I was feeling a lot better and my pulse rate actually recorded as 160. They had never seen anything like this before and it caused great debate amongst the 3 of them (think one must have been a trainee). They took me to hospital and talking to a consultant there I asked if he'd seen this before and he said yes.
So my radial pulse in my wrist showed different to what my heart was actually beating as it was going too fast to record there. I was kept in hospital for quite a few days while they attempted to get my pulse down. Can't remember the outcome, but think it may have been eventually returned to normal sinus rhythm by a cardioversion.
If it happened again I'd have no hesitation in calling for an ambulance.
He disconnected on lead on the ECG and then this showed on the pulse oximeter as 80bpm.
With the lead on, it showed 170 bpm. He said the ECG measures the top chambers in AF whereas the radial pulse shows the ventricles are still pumping regularly at a different rate as not all the signals get through.
Goodness Jean that's quite mind-blowing and goes to show how complex and skilled the task is of analysing the various data from our heart rhythms! It must have been very alarming at the time. As I haven't yet had further tests beyond an echocardiogram and have not discussed a way forward, I do feel quite "in the dark" as to what's really going on, though do have good kit that identifies Afib as well average of 3 HR/BP readings. I seem to have a background Afib that records resting HR 80 - 90, then discovered last night it can really get crazy!
A nurse on this forum recommended that I get a stethoscope and that's what I did. I can trust that. I have no interest in fancy things that record what your heart is doing. They would make me anxious and after 18 years of having AF I've discovered the best thing to do is ignore what my heart is doing as best I can. After having both Covid and pneumonia together a few months ago, I bought an Oximeter and bitterly regretted doing that as the results made me extremely anxious, especially when the alarm on it kept going off!
Morning, I never knew your radial pulse could be different than what you actual heart rate is as Ian explained the top Chambers can beat differently compared to ventricles.....you learn something new everyday. Also what type of oximeter were you using? Was it the fingertip strap type with a lead to a watch? I'm looking to get one but not sure which one to buy as my smart watch states my sp02 level sometimes drops to 80 while sleeping so I would like to monitor it more accurately with a device thats more accurate with an alarm to wake you up when it drops low level.
Mine had written on the box, ' As used by St. John Ambulance'. It was the clip on finger type. So what would you do if the alarm woke you, just sit and worry I'd guess! I would urge you not to buy one. I've just got my Oximeter out now and used it and all ok, thinking back it was probably using it after I had covid and pneumonia that was the reason for the alarms, but it did that for months afterwards.
Yeah I agree being woken up while asleep can make matters worse and can cause further worrying. I'm just curious on how low my oxygen levels drop too as I sometimes wake up gasping for air. My watch sometimes reads as low as 70 but It's only a guide and probably not that accurate to be honest and I do have an oxymeter but obviously its no good while your asleep. I have seen the fingertip style device that connects to a watch by a cable that looks ok so I will give it some thought before taking the plunge.. Thanks again for your help .
I've not been tested for sleep apnoea but I have bradycardia/tachycardia, leaking mitral valve and left ventricular hypertrophy and was fitted with a implant loop recorder back in September so im just waiting to see what they want to do next but their talking of a pacemaker.
A lot of us have a slightly leaky mitral valve, it comes with age. Does yours need attention? Have you ever passed out with your bradycardia and what medication are you on.
Treatment for left ventricular hypertrophy depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications, catheter procedures or surgery. It's important to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and sleep apnoea, which can cause blood pressure to be higher. Has anything been suggested as the cause of yours?
Only mild mitral valve regurgitation and slight pulmonary and tricuspid valves too. I've had plenty of lightheaded episodes due to the bradycardia, feeling tired so I have a rest for about an hour then i feel ok again. I was on bisoprolol to ease the pressure on my heart due to the lvh and ectopic beats but it was stopped in April as my heart rate was sitting around 30-40 at times and they wanted a clear idea of my true resting hr without any meds which can be about 42 and on average my bp is 126/75.
Good Afternoon Rainfern, sorry to hear you have had such a rough time! With those symptoms it sounds as though you absolutely did the right thing in calling an ambulance. If you feel that you would like any further advice or support, please feel free to contact our Patient Services Team on 01789 867 502 or email info@afa.org.uk
If that happened with any regularity I think you would be advised (by your drs) to take a beta blocker regularly. I seldom have episodes but taking an alternative drug (calcium channel blocker) helps prevent episodes and preempts the ‘crazy heart’ scenario. You did the right thing, especially as your heart hasn’t been fully tested yet!
Thank you Buffafly, that's really helpful. I just had a rather obscure text back from the surgery which still didn't make clear if I should take the beta blocker regularly or keep on as a PIP! I'm concerned that coming off regular beta blockers has to be done with caution, so I await further clarification!
I think we have all been in this position one time or another. I have felt like you did on numerous occasions and have been so close to ringing an ambulance but I just about held off and lucky for me I reverted back to NSR after a few hours on each occasion. And I think that’s the crux of the matter really, how long can one hold on to until you become so uncomfortable that you need some kind of help. I would give it 3 hours after taking a pip, and if still uncomfortable that you struggle to lie down and stand up, then ring for help, possibly 111 to start with and hopefully get a ring back from a cardiology nurse, if you feel you cannot wait that long dial an emergency. If of course you have chest pains and feel faint don’t hesitate to ring 999.
Thank you stoneyrose, thank goodness we don't need to feel alone with all these horrid symptoms! I don't think I've gone back into NSR since I was diagnosed with Afib in November, but fortunately I know there's a lot can be done even with persistent Afib. I guess having Afib means we must get to know ourselves all over again! While I'm learning I shall probably err on side of caution, though waiting for the pip to take effect makes perfect sense.
No you did exactly the right thing,at least you got help,I'm up in the North of Scotland in the middle of nowhere, and the Scottish NHS is non existant,you just don't get ill here. Best of luck to you.
I'm in Arbroath under care of arythmia nurses at ninewells. They are brilliant. I've been in an episode for 30 hour's now. I phoned them at 10am. Call back 10.30am with advice.So not all Scotland.
I have done exactly what you did with similar symptoms and I have sat out many AF episodes where I was in AF but without the horrible symptoms. My GP gave me the following guidelines:-
Chest pain, syncope or near syncope ( struggling to stay conscious) clammy skin, very high sustained heart rate ie: for me 150+, nausea.
If you ever have a repeat episode and I sincerely hope you never do because it is very scary and truly horrible experience, do not hesitate to dial 998.
Hope you are now recovered but be kind to yourself, I found it takes days to recover from that type of episode.
Thank you CDreamer. I spent most of yesterday in bed but glad to say I was OK being first up to make our morning cuppa today!Your GP advice is very sound I think and fits the point at which my husband called ambulance. I think he was scared as I was and also needed recovery time and sleep catch-up.
I hope your similar episodes are now a thing of the past.
Rainfern, sorry you had such a bad episode, hoping you’re recovered now x
I personally do not think you’ve over reacted, I think you did well. As the episode was causing you to lose your consciousness call the ambulance immediately was correct - glad your PIP was taking effect by the time they arrived - I think if you have this level of attack again - call immediately so they know you need help especially as these days their delays are often considerable - better to be safe and know they are on the way (especially if living alone)
Thank you Flipper, I appreciate your reassurance. Delays in getting help has to be a consideration these days, sadly. I have since had a phone consultation with my GP and we are agreed I should take the beta blocker on a regular basis for time being, not just as PIP. Have to say it gave me a beautiful sound sleep last night! Hope all is well with you x
Sounds good that you’re GP up the beta blocker hopefully you’ll be more stable 🤞
I’m still in the wars, being referred to Respiratory on Thursday- 4 antibiotics and steroids but chest still grotty, I’m just cat napping in a chair at night (7 weeks post ablation tomorrow) hearts doing ok tho
You are right about delays in the Ambulance Service nowadays. Between Christmas and New year I had a similar experience and as this is all new to me I really didn't know what to do. Heart rate was soaring higher and higher and I felt awful. I knew that A&E was under huge pressure as was the Ambulance Service so tried to hold off but eventually rang 111 who said they would send an emergency ambulance. 4 hours later it still had not arrived. It was a very frightening time. By midnight although my readings were still too high they had at least levelled out so I rang 111 again to cancel the ambulance. They told me I had to ring 999 to cancel. I did but it took 8 minutes to even get an answer. We are living through very uncertain times. I felt unwell for a couple of days after and spoke to my GP who said you should always ring 999 in those circumstances or, if you get no response and if at all possible, get yourself to A&E.
I'm so sorry you suffered this too, Rainfern. Go easy on yourself and take care.
Thank you MKG. That sounds like such a very scary episode! I'm so sorry you faced it without help. I hope after reading all the posts here you'll take the doctor's advice and ring 999 instead of 111 next time! I certainly shall. Your life is as valuable as anyone else's and I know if you'd not cancelled the ambulance you would have been met by a wonderfully reassuring, accepting and jolly team who help make you feel human again. And if there's someone there to make them a cup of tea all the better!
No, you didn't over react. This was the first time it'd happened like that and you wanted to be safe. Im guessing from my own experience that the nausea abd sweating were because your blood pressure dropped. Thats why you almost passed out and its very very frightening. Check that out wuth your GP if a report comes through - the BP i mean. BP does go AWOL during AF events. My GP told me that feeling faint or nauseous, intense sweating and shaking ss, losing consciousness or having chest pains are all reasons for heading to A and E. Unless you're close to a hospital an ambulance in my opinion is preferable because they monitor you en route. Luckily your team deemed it unnecessary for you to go in. Don't feel bad. You'll get better at managing. Check with your GP or cardiologist as to how long it should take for the PiP to kick in. And maybe buy a BP monitor.
I like that "you'll get better at managing" ‐ I need that reassurance, thanks Singwell! Yes, the fear is a big factor too. I shall be asking my GP re a blood pressure reading, though I didn't take a reading at the time and things were calming down by time the paramedics arrived. I have a really good BP monitor that also picks up Afib and gives the average of 3 readings so more accurate. But the thought of getting it out in the midst of the episode was too scary!
If you are in fear of symptoms which seem to threaten your life then of course call an ambulance. That is what the NHS is for, and what it was created for. It would be too late to delay if it really was more serious; you have the right to demand health care. When I was first diagnosed with AF and hospitalised for 7 days in the 1990s, I was admitted to hospital on two other occasions in the night, not because I called an ambulance but because my GP came and insisted this was the best course. It shows how much the NHS has declined in resources and capabilities that we need to question seeking emergency help at such times now.
Thank you oscarfox. Sadly it's hard to remember a time when we could speak with a GP in the middle of the night! I think after reading all the wonderful comments in this thread though I shall never question calling an ambulance again!
I put up with very similar symptoms for half a day, a week or so after my otherwise successful ablation for atrial flutter in summer 2019, having been told to stop all drugs (a bad move, as it happened). Eventually, panic and feelings of impending doom overtook me and I phoned the ablation clinic who told me to come in straight away. Once I was taken there, I was given an ECG and told that I had very fast AF with the arrhythmia nurse showing some shock, too, which greatly added to my anxiety. I soon saw the consultant, however, who ordered a cardio-version and gave me 5mg oral bisoprolol. Within an hour, my heart rate was normal and the fibrillation had stopped without the need for being shocked.
If your heart is otherwise sound, as mine was, it seems that the need is to reduce the rate, usually with a beta blocker and, in the UK, usually bisoprolol but, in your case, the less selective, older one, propranolol. These take 1-2 hours to achieve a useful effect but, as I found, often do seem to do the trick. If they do reduce the rate, they might also stop the AF, and also, will reduce the anxiety, a major factor in causing you to feel on edge, with those difficult-to-defeat panicky feelings of doom.
Since then, I have never had a similarly bad attack, nowadays with much lower rates and for those I take 1.25 (but up to 5mg) bisoprolol which works well.
Thanks Steve for your thoughts, and openness with those feelings of panic and pending doom. I think you're right about the feedback loop with anxiety. I was put on propranolol as a PIP at my own request as I found them helpful in my mid 20s (45 years ago - they've been around a while!) for panic attacks. When I was diagnosed with Afib a couple of months ago I was almost more afraid of going into panic than I was of the Afib symptoms which were quite noticeable but relatively mild! And because the palpitations in my 20s were dismissed as a "mental health" problem I get worried I won't be believed by the medics! Fortunately I think those fears at least are being shattered!Like you I'm told my heart is otherwise sound, and maybe when I've had further tests and I've seen a cardiologist they may put me on a more specific beta blocker.
The cardiologist I saw speculated that the various occasions in the past that I had seemingly had anxiety "attacks" were possibly brief AF or AFl episodes which, he said, often naturally cause a panic type response. I never had many of those over the years and all that I had were mightily odd things given that I wasn't overly anxious at the time. My GP tread me kindly but them as anxiety. They started with an issue with the left side of my diaphragm that caused severe stitch and palpitations in my late 20s or so. I'll never know now just what it was.
Just on propanolol, this is not a specific cardiac beta blocker and I am surprised to find anyone prescribing it in these circumstances. I was put on Sotalol in 1995 when I first had my AF and was in hospital for a week, but for some reason a GP changed me to Propanolol after my discharge and I suffered a whole lot more symptoms while taking that until I was put back on Sotalol. My personal observation was that it didn't work, certainly with my AF.
As mentioned in another post - I asked specifically for propranolol for the simple reason I found it helpful some 45 years ago when I had post-op panic attacks! OMG just as well I can laugh at myself! In fact I had to persuade the newly qualified registrar to prescribe this, but my GP hasn't argued with it. Thank you Oscar for that clarification re it not being a specific cardiac beta blocker.
I was given bisoprolol, but I gather propranolol is an effective beta blocker but it's unselective action risks lung involvement. Stall was one I was told I couldn't be given, nor flecainide, for their QT lengthening risks as I have a wide QRS thanks to LBBB.
Since my afib does not improve or stop with meds, and I have no one who can drive me to the ER, I've had to call paramedics every time I've had afib. Eighteen times in the past two years. You did the right thing.
My first Consultant ( I am on number 3 now) told me it will get worse with age and dont bother with A&E and go to bed!!!!
Its always difficult to know what to do. If you are getting pain then go to hospital but it may be better to get there yourself if you can. My last visit I waited 7 hours for the ambulance then 4 hours outside A&E. It reverted just a got into the bed in resus.
Mine are getting worse at the minute - every week ish now. I thought it was going to go last night but it settled after about 10secs.
Bisoprolol does not control the rate for me when in AF, I have been on 5mg since 2012, but now my resting HR seems to gradually getting lower, at 51 according to the fitbit
Thank you Ian. That's really bad of your first cardiologist to say that! Especially as you were new to the condition. I was watching a cardiologist from York on YouTube talking about the importance of practices that can enhance quality of life - not a cure but ways to reduce episodes. He focused specifically on acupuncture, but people find different ways to suit their needs. I hope your Afib keeps on settling.
If bisoprolol won't control the rate and leads to bradycardia, then I wonder what the cardiologist would recomemnd? I have bradycardia on occasion even if I take 1.25mg so wouldn't be able to take much bisoprolol if my (very occasional) AF worsened. I often suspect a pacemaker might be a future move but have no idea about that.
No, you definitely didn't overreact. A cardiologist told me to call an ambulance if my heart rate went above 100 and stayed there for more than 20 minutes.
Thank you Brother Thomas. One of the problems I've picked up on this thread is that accurate HR readings are a problem with Afib. I do have a microlife homeA which picks up Afib and gives an average of 3 consecutive readings but its a faff to use when your heart's pounding. Any recommendations?
Yes, it is a problem. I have a Viatom Heartmate, which is very easy to use, it's slightly bigger than a credit card and can be used it two ways. the first is simply holding it in both hands with the thumb and first two fingers of the rt hand on contacts and the other side of the machine pressed against he palm of the left hand. The other way is the same except he device is held against the inside of your left knee. Unfortunately, the two readings are not always the same so I have some doubts about the accuracy of it's interpretation of the trace. I also have a Boots blood pressure device, which is prety good, but also inaccurate when in AFib. Personally, I act on the cardiologists advice and if either of my devices says I'm over 100 for more than 20 mins, I call an ambulance and let them sort out the accuracy issues with their kit. I've never had a problem w3ith calling them and they've always been great when they arrive.
Crumbs, I'd be calling one very regularly indeed on that basis. There might be a personal reason that you were given that advice, however, specific to your own case. That's the problem with forums like this, many people don't have "lone" AF.
The only other thing is that different doctors say different things depending on the context. It's such an unpleasant thing to have for some people, yet others hardly know they have it (two older friends are like that). AF was only unbearable for me once and looking back I can't now separate out the fear I was feeling at things from the AF and the racing heart. It did surprise me that all it took to help me was 5mg bisopolol and 2 hours in a hospital bed feeling safe and looked after. It's such a devil of a thing to have in my view.
Yes, I agree fully with you. Normally, I'm asymptomatic but I have a number of severe episodes when my medication was changed and I finished up taking two different calcium channel blockers at full dose and I believe that that was a cause of most of my problems. It was very scary for me too so you're not alone.
Thank you for posting Rainfern. I have learned a lot from the replies.In October I had 5 days of presyncope (trying to stay conscious) several mornings in a row, not wanting to bother anyone. It was only later in hospital that I realised how dangerous it was, and that I should've called 999 much earlier. You did the right thing.
I'm on 2.5mg Bisoprolol am and pm. My RHR is anything from 43-34, my BP is around 120/65 and I feel fine. I now have a loop recorder in my chest.
Wow Eldot, 5 days of it! That must have been horrid. I'm glad you have things better balanced now. I'm curious about the loop recorder - is that something like the monitor band only internal?
Pretty much, yes. It's about the size & shape of a AAA battery that gets inserted under the skin in your chest. It monitors your heart continuously and only saves a recording if the heart exceeds limits preset by the cardiologist. Every night it communicates with a bedside box that in turn communicates with the central server by its internal phone. Your cardiologist then logs in to the server to see what's up. Pretty neat eh!
I do not think you overreacted. Fighting to stay conscious when lying down is serious! I sweat regularly when in afib but usually more after I have been in for several hours. You were lucky the ambulance came relatively quickly. The problem with afib coming on when you are asleep is that you can't tale the PIP immediately it starts .
Thanks Auriculaire. It's strange how it came on at night - I'd have thought there are more stressor around in the day. It seems so unpredictable! The GP has now suggested I take the beta blocker as a regular med, so hopefully that'll help.
no you didn’t waste their time, you can’t expect to sit things out if you’re suffering those symptoms. Iv sat my afib episodes out many times but only because I wasn’t having any other symptoms apart from fibrillation.
Thanks Jetcat, that makes sense. I've honestly found the posts here so reassuring. I'll never be afraid of calling an ambulance again with those symptoms!
It’s troublesome enough having a Afib episode on its own, never mind with added symptoms thrown in.! I hope any future Afib episodes( none hopefully ) are just the normal ride it out type. 👍
You definitely did not overreact. There are a-fib episodes, and then there are a-fib episodes -- yours was definitely the italicized version! You had too many scary symptoms to just wait it out. You did the right thing in getting help fast.
You absolutely did NOT overreact … your heart could have stopped with those symptoms … thankfully you are okay. When you are in that condition … not to worry about others … only think about you and your immediate recovery … cheers and Happy New Year!
I have never called the ambulance since calling them with a stroke. Mouth drop, drauling, diffulty swallowing, grasp with dropsy and on the phone unable to get them to understand me. Plus a very sore head.
In hospital diagnosed with stroke with AF.
4 days in there diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. A shadow on my thyroid seen during a carotid artery scan.
In your case a PIP is not for you.
As I see it it becomes an emergency situation where as you say "waiting it out till the PIP works" left you with the anxiety that you couldn't cope with.
Even when I was on Metroprolol with H/R avge day 187 I did not ring the my home alarm.
Yes, I had sweating on any exertion, fatigue and had to rest BECAUSE I was not Controlled. Then a cardiac specialist changed me to BISOPROLOL but at 24-monitor again showing uncontrolled at 156 I was still not controlled.
Heart rate at night average 47. No matter what I took!
I finally went to a private cardiac specialist who changed me over to CCB Calcium Channel Blocker and I was controlled within 2 hours. H/R fell 51 beats per minute.
I am diagnosed with persistent rapid AF.
Only the Metropolol left me with 2 x 2second pauses during the night! It has been put on my banned list along with others.
If you stay on a BP and H/R med the 'downs' will be 'ironed out" as I see it.
But make sure you take your anti-co .agulant daily.
On 23 December something made me take my BP with H/R. My H/R was 67 before I took my CCB.
Over time till now I have reverted to bisoprolol and reverted to having now 5mg 8am and 8pm.
It is with me a mild BP drug and it stops me from a BP. H/R that creeps up during the day.
Reading over your story in my opinion you are NOT A CANDIDATE for PIP.
Hi Joy, I can see your health issues have been huge and I feel humbled, yet I know we all live with that stroke risk. Thank you for taking time to post here. My doctor has now made the beta blocker a regular medication and I feel all the safer for it, and of course am taking daily anticoagulant. I hope that at least some function has returned to you, and pleased you have retained communication skills - that's so important.
Guess what .. you are doing the right thing for you.
I had my stroke at 2am. Awoke with a sore head. Went to the loo and didn't. look in the mirror. Living alone I went back to sleep until 5.30am! Then called the ambulance.
A friend whose had an ablation would text me when he had an episode. I would say call our 111 emergency line. He wold keep working.
He had had the AF para.. for many years. He was taking 4 x meds and had PIP.
Ablation last October 2021, they found 2 electrical energies workig at two parts of the heart. They have both been snapped.
In his late 50s it was a successful procedure.
I sang in my choir 3 months post stroke! Singing is excellent for one and I sung again the following Christmas after the thyroidectomy.
Do take care and your Dr is a good one. cheri. JOY. 73. (NZ)
The first few times we experience afib are very scary and confusing. I called an ambulance a couple of times, and the doctors at the emergency room wondered why I was there and what I wanted from them. I finally realized that in the absence of any symptoms such as dizziness, pain or breathing problems, I did not want or need anything from them.
I went a third time because it lasted for 40 hours, and they sent a nice doctor in to ask me all about myself. I enjoyed the conversation and thought it was nice that she was so interested in me. Later, I figured out that she was a psychologist trying to diagnose my mental health!
I certainly would go in again if I experienced the symptoms you described!
Hi Rainfern. I am very symptomatic when I take an afib episode, which, like you usually starts in the night. My heart will kick off about 150bpm and goes on for up to 36 hours.I am under a top Professor Epiphysiologist who has told me that unless I feel really unwell, breathless and dizzy to 'sit it out' as I am medicated. I do this although it's extremely uncomfortable. I was told that if I went to A & E all they would do is link you to a load of bleeping monitors which make you more anxious and then they wait until you revert.
Hi Karendeena, that's helpful advice for any future episodes, thank you. As I did feel hugely unwell, dizzy and struggling to stay conscious I guess having expert medical care was in order. The ambulance crew could do all necessary tests (ie for anything life threatening) from the comfort of my own bed. Plus, they are trained and experienced in handing out gallons of confidence and reassurance! I hope they soon get the pay award they deserve!
I don't think it was an overreaction in the least. I had an episode (not AF but low blood sugar) and I was losing consciousness and my husband, who is the most laid back practical person I know called an ambulance. He just didn't know if it was really serious or not and wasn't prepared to take any chances.
Thanks Irene. Someone else here has suggested low blood pressure as another possible factor. I'm so new to this Afib and impatient to get the 7 day monitoring to see if any further light can be shed on it all - and eventually an appointment with a cardiologist.
I relate. I have had extreme weakness, nausea and sweating during an episode and my husband had to help me into to bed. I didn't call 911 because I have had this before, without AF. I don't have pain with it and I don't know what causes it.
In the beginning I ended up in emergency with AF with my heart racing and extreme shortness of breath and weakness. I didn't understand what was happening then but now I do. Part of this is getting to know our bodies and we do that through experience.
I feel the same: I don't want to take their time when someone else may need the help more than I do. But it's not a waste for paramedics and hospitals to have this kind of information in their records. And when it's our hearts, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Thank you Marcy. I think you're right about getting to know our bodies, even if we don't know all the reasons for why they misbehave! I have learned so much from all of you here. We're all different but there's commonality too, and the shared knowledge definitely speeds up the learning process!
We are all different. It can be radiating pain in the shoulder or arm (heart attack), or brief vertigo and loss of peripheral eyesight with no FAST indicators (stroke, from personal experience). I don't have symptoms despite my heart rate reaching around 180 bpm on a rowing machine, so it's easy for me. However, if I get breathless for a couple of minutes whilst sitting down, I start to get a bit panicky.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Further to my recent posts on Bisoprolol and Nebivolol
A&E or stay home? 
2nd colonoscopy next week
Is there no pattern to this AFIB stuff?
