Afib or something else

[Budken]

A few months ago my Cardiologist told me to stop taking Flecainide daily, and switch to Pill in the Pocket.

This morning I woke, to an irregular heartbeat. Normally when I have Afib I definitely feel it, and I also feel a bit lightheaded. Today is different. My pulse is only a bit higher than usual, and my blood pressure is was 115/80 with 88 BPM. In the past when I had afib not only could I feel it ( felt like a popping feeling in my chest ) but my Blood Pressure was usually high. So I am wondering if this can be something else. I am abit afraid to take the pills, if this is something else.

[BobD Volunteer]

What does you wrist pulse tell you?

[Budken in reply to BobD]

It feels a bit off, but not totally erratic like afib. It is not showing on my BP monitor which normally shows if there is an erratic heartbeat. I dont feel lightheaded or anything like when I normally have had Afib. Just feels like my pulse speeds up for a few beats then goes back to normal.

[Budken in reply to BobD]

It appears it has gone back to normal. However when I first woke up, it was definitely erratic. Felt like it was sending a morse code message.

[mjames1]

Yes, do not take Flecainide unless you know you're in afib. For example, if it's aflutter, Flecainide can be counter productive. I suggest you get yourself a Kardia 6L which will generate a medical grade ekg at home. I think the Kardia is essential for most people on a PIP strategy unless they know they arrythmia's extremely well and even if so, a check and balance is always a good idea.

Jim

[secondtry]

Sounds a bit like the 'Pre AF feeling' I have had a couple of times in the past. Maybe try a steady walk and deeper breathing through the nose with mouth shut.

[Budken in reply to secondtry]

Yes that is exactly what I did, and it stopped.