Lightheaded when self converting from afib to sinus

[Brandue]

I have proximal afib that can last up to 4 hours. When my heart goes back into sinus I get really lightheaded for around 5 seconds. Does anyone else get this symptom?. I'm in good shape and have my resting pluse is 50. I was a professional athlete so, my heart rate has always been low with no problems.

[Patricia1]

This used to happen to me many years ago. I was told that this happens when the heart stops beating for a few seconds while converting to sinus rhythm. I had a pacemaker fitted which solved the problem

[JudiHalf]

I get this every time I revert back to nsr, I think it’s quite common, I am awaiting a pacemaker for bradycardia so hopefully will solve this as well.

[Brandue in reply to JudiHalf]

I guessing this is normal, but I don't want a pacemaker as my heart rate has always been in the low 50s before I had bouts a afib. I'm athletic and my pluse is low. This doesn't bother me a bit. I don't get lightheaded when I'm in sinus and can run without incident. I'm booked for the Wolf Mini Maze in September and hopefully this hell will end. Thank you for the valuable feedback

[KootenayTrails]

Out of the blue I’ve had AF episodes since Feb 6th. - started every10 - 12 days, then every 5, this week almost every day, today twice (3 cardioversions). I have the same thing happening, and it seems to be increasing in intensity - fainted a few times now. I’m actually in hospital now as EP wants to observe ECG while I’m coming in and out of AF to see if there’s a pause or something else going on. Pulse 30 while in and out of fainting (RHR 48 - 52 for years with no issues, lots of endurance sports. Last two weeks, RHR 41 - 48, and often feeling sluggish, lightheaded). Anyways with fainting, and low HR like this, can’t take any antiarrythmia drugs anymore, so I’m moving quickly up the ablation waiting list (Canada). Was on the one year list Mar 19th, then 6 months. Today they said maybe Tuesday or at least within 2 weeks. Hope they figure it out for you too!

[Brandue in reply to KootenayTrails]

Thank you for sharing this with me. Goodluck with your Ablation

[joyelane in reply to KootenayTrails]

I recently read an article that indicated high endurance athletics can be not so good for our hearts. I suppose that with ongoing research we'll find out more.

[President2012]

this sounds like a pause after conversion from AFib to normal sinus rhythm. If it happens every time you convert I would discuss it with your cardiologist/EP. This happened to me for a while and eventually the pauses got longer and I blacked out for seconds which obviously can be dangerous. You could hurt yourself if you fall. I was put on Flecanide to prevent that happening which did not work so I was put on Donedarone which worked well. Recently I was given a pacemaker. I would not ignore it. Best of luck.

[Singwell]

Yes, I've had it. Used to happen when I used Flecainide and took extra dosage if AF broke through. It's apparently called a 'reversion pause' - when the heart pauses as it resets its rhythm. I'd go red in the face and start panting when it started and sometimes the room would spin. Not a nice feeling! In my case I'd quickly lie flat and elevate my feet until it passed. Only lasts a few seconds I think for me. But I understand you can pass out with it. Maybe discuss with your EP if you're worried about it?

[Auriculaire]

Yes- I have had this but only a mild feeling of dizzyness. I have only been aware of it if I have been moving about at the time - not sitting or lying down.

[doodle68]

My symptomatic P-AF episodes last up to 5 days now , a nightmare. When I come out of one I frequently have a hot flush , feel faint and generally unwell then gradually feel a bit better as my heart rate lowers.

[Magson]

Hi, it was common with me when I was taking Flecainide . I got the feeling of almost fainting. My Cardiologist just said that's normal. Well it would have been better if he explained it from the start. Fortunately, I don't take either Flecainide or Bisopropol any more. These medications didnt do me any good. Good luck.

[Brandue in reply to Magson]

Thanks, I'm taking Flecainide and when I'm in afib I take more to get myself back to sinus. I noticed if I stand up when I'm converting it's not as bad. Actually what you're not supposed to do..