Have just had my first EKG. Just wondered if an ultra sound always shows up something in the cases of AF even when in sinus rhythm. The technician said he was not at liberty to let me know results but I know that's not the case as my sister had one recently (suspected heart murmur) and was told everything was fine. When I pressed him and said obviously he had seem something he said I would have to wait for report to go to doctor but that it was "not too concerning". Hence my question . Many thanks all.
EKG results: Have just had my first EKG... - Atrial Fibrillati...
EKG results
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I was found to have a slightly leaky mitral valve which was of no concern.
Thanks. Hope mine is also minor. Was it connected to AF though?
Yes, it was.
Many thanks. I still have so much to learn!
They can tell us when everything is okay and clear but have to leave it to the doctor to interpret the slightest defect or potential problem.
Thanks, that makes sense. I was just wondering if we all have defects, minor or otherwise if AF is diagnosed.
With the super sensitivity of modern electrocardiography I think you will find virtually everybody has at least trivial defects as we age AF or not
Very true
I've had AF for 18 years and in that time have had 3 ablations and lots of cardioversions. My AF is so much better now after my third ablation, it used to be so scary and I'd end up being admitted to a hospital ward. I'm in AF constantly now but at a rate fluctuating between 60-90bpm and I can cope with that.
Oh gosh you have been through it. I assume you no longer have that horrible sensation of the heart doing the jive in your chest.
No, but I will never ever forget how dreadful the attacks were. Anyone still getting severe attacks you have my sympathy and the only words of advice I can give you is that the more attention and anxiety you give each attack the longer it will go on.
I used to hate people saying that to me when I felt so poorly, but I have to tell you that it's true.
I have been told that, but easier said than done. I need to find distraction/relaxation techniques. Thanks again
There are some really apps to download on your phone or tablet put in your headset and lay down everyday for 30 minutes at least.
Someone mentioned tai chi so I might give that a go.
Spot on Jean.
What beta blocker have they got you on, because as you know these keep our h.rate steady.
I've had no major problems with my heart rate since my 3rd ablation 7 years ago. I take Bisoprolol.
Most of the time, the techs will not tell you anything per hospital policy, so don't read anything into that.
Many thanks for that.
There are often some changes commonly seen in AF, usual some degree of valve regurgitation and sometimes left atrial enlargement. These changes are usually borderline/mild/moderate and aren’t considered particularly significant as far as cardiologists are concerned, though they may recommend repeat echocardiograms every 2/3/5 years to monitor any changes, just in case. These are often common findings in older people who don’t necessarily have AF. “Not too concerning” sounds like some minor changes were seen but probably what would be expected for someone with your symptoms, history, etc. I know how unsettling these tests are and how much we want everything to be just fine. Minor changes aren’t much to worry about, and perhaps once your AF is well controlled these parameters will improve — and that does happen!
That is such a helpful answer - thank you so much
I have a friend who does heart ultrasounds for a living in Canada. She is not allowed to tell patients anything about what she sees, good or bad, so I wouldn’t fret that it means they have seen something bad and don’t want to tell you!
Many thanks.
Agreed. When i had my echo done, I too asked and was told she couldn’t say but that if there was anything really serious she wouldn’t let me leave. So there is that!
I've had a few of these and the results came later. They are quite technical so are best explained by the cardiologist but if an explanation is not forthcoming the bhf helpline can help.There can be structural changes due to AF as others have said, if it hasn't been well treated or if its been persistent for a long time. Like Jean, I've got an 18 year history (10 year persistently in AF) despite only being 47, so I have structural changes but it depends on the duration, amongst other factors. I wouldn't be overly concerned based on what you have said.
Hopefully you won't have too long to wait for the results.
Gosh it does appear people have suffered with this for many years. I think I am more concerned because we are off to France end of next week and we take bikes and walk a lot and don’t know if what they have found will have an impact on my exercise abilities.
if it wasn’t affecting you before you had the test why would it have an effect after you have had the test ? Our minds like to run away with us
That's very true. Today I've had several mini episodes which I have never had before!
Can you ring up and ask for your results before you go on holiday.
Was definitely going to do that. I’ll start with my GP on Monday. Thanks
When I had my real serious attack I was told, after I rested of course, to exercise to keep the heart strong of course don’t you find a nice walk is rather relaxing? If in AF maybe don’t bike but a walk is no problem. That is what I do but that is me you have to do what is right for you. It all depends on the severity of the AF at the time. Some are worse than others.
Many thanks and yes I do exercise. Before all this started a few months ago I walked several miles a day and uphill as part of my rehab following knee replacement. Now I'm scared to do too much in case is sets AF off. Also a little concerned in case what they found in my heart may not agree with too much exercise. Just be very glad once all investigations are completed.
I think it varies according to what is found and what the individual is like as a person or how experienced they are. In the NHS, I gather, technicians can't diagnose at all, and a consultant must view and approve all scans, even those seen by a junior doctor.
Steve
I did wonder if that was the case but my sister only had a technician (at same hospital) and was told everything was fine. Maybe as Rainfern said, they’re allowed to say when all clear, but slightest problem we have to wait.
I think it varies by individual. I bet all will be well. Maybe write back when you hear?
Steve
Many thanks and I’ll come back with results, even if it’s from France! Am going to try my GP on Monday to see if he/she can find out anything.
I envy you going to la belle France. It’s one of my favourite countries.
Steve
Yes we love it. If we were more fluent we would have moved there!
After the sad and still regretted Brexit debacle the thought wafted through my mind.
Steve
Totally agree!
Hi
Also I forgot but on day 4 after stroke I was having carotid arteries checked. I can remember the young girl Jade saying 2 for the price of one I check the thyroid.
Then "oops you have a shadow on your thyroid. I will get boss to check it out".
The boss came in. I was transferred to a hospital closer to home . A team Dr rang me there and asked me "would I consent to a biopsy being done". I said 'yes'.
I was referred internally.
cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)
My goodness, you've also been through the mill. I hope everything is ok now.
Hi
Controlled since Dec 2021 I'm very good thanx.
At least my team knows how I got aF and stroke.
Not knowing must be an ongoing enquiry. I've read it could be caused by anxiousness, eating big meals, overdoing exercise, thyroid, or during any operation. ETC.
cheri jOY. 74. (NZ)
Well I certainly tick a couple of those boxes. I suffer badly from anxiety and it started after I had my second knee replacement (by epidural). Other than that I was considered low risk for heart problems as was confirmed before my knee op in March!
Hi
With AF on heart pills and thyroxin for missing thyroid I read NO EPIDURAL. And being an ex nurse wouldn't have it anyway. Seen too many done.
My last op at DHB Northshore Hospital (ACC Special said no to PRIVATE as less support!).
I had 2 anaesthetists and my specialist and another trainee Doctor experienced to her.
As TVT Johnson & Johnson partially removed as it had trans over to my Vagina.
My surgeon saw the risk in bleeding.
All went well. I was discharged in mid afternoon day after. A long car trip 1/2 way home.
Pain pills as I was AF was Oxy-Norm and Paracetamol. I was aware that the former was addictive so 2 days on former and left with Paracetamol which I brought down to nil within 5 days. Constipation after any hospital stay a complication. I used Glycerine Suppositories, then Colofac 140mg with large glass of water in morning 1 hour before b/fast. Then kiwifruit with oats full grain organic Harraways.
I had a knee done before AF and surgeon found the worst tear not showing on mRI. He cut it away - the meniscous. The knee is stable but I get pain if it is overloaded.
Please don't worry. Try and change to special general anaesthetic.
cheri. JOY
They wouldn't have done the op like that or at that particular hospital had I been diagnosed, but was I absolutely fine at beginning of March when I had my operation. Other knee done same way in July last year and no problems. It was fine this time except I overdid pain killers and made myself very sick which is maybe what kick started the AF. I'll probably never know, but just glad I had knees done before diagnosis as I would still be on waiting list otherwise. They only take healthy patients and waiting list is quite short.
This is the prime reason why when Af diagnosed as with myself, we take anti coagulants and beta blockers, as my GP said, they want to prevent stroke and heart attacks, and this is the best way of doing so. I hate the meds, but prefer them to having a stroke. i am 76 never had a thing wrong with heart until now. when sudden h.rate rose and took 5 hours in hospital to get it to normal again. I personally dont think i have serious AF, they say its the paroxsimal type but straight away put in on all the meds, still waiting to see cardio.
Hi
Well for you may be CCBs are better as PIP than BBs.
Calcium Channel Blocker blocks calcium which relaxes the working of the heart. Diltiazem took 2 hours to work. 156 to 51!
Beta Blockers blocks adrenaline.
My CCB 120mg AM takes down my H/R Day avge
My BB 2.5 Bisoprolol brings down my BP
Both assist the rhythmn.
cheri JOY
Hi again, Well clearly your health issues seem to be more than just AFib, therefore i cannot comment on what they prescribe for yourself. also bearing in mind you are not in the UK which surprisingly to a degree seems to make some difference as to the protocol medics use in prescribing.
All i know is i am on 5 mg a day amlodipine which you call CCB for slightly high BP.
Apixban 5 mg twice daily and Bisoprolol (i cannot even take the 1.5mg dose as lowers my H.Rate drastically to below 40 and i feel spaced out) so Dr. has asked me to half the 1.5mg dose and this keeps my h.rate around the 55 mark.
I take a 10mg statin every other day as its not really high but they seem to put everyone over a certain age on these here in the UK.
They have me diagnosed with A.Fib the intermittent one, parosysmal, but until i actually see face to face cardio, i am keeping an open mind, but will take the meds as want to live as long as i can. I dont drink, smoke, not fat, and walk daily with dog and on the go all day, but still got a few problems mainly with heart now, but guess after 75 years of it beating perfectly, its getting a bit tired as we all are.
My advice on all of this by my GP is that the most important drug i could be taking are the blood thinners twice daily, as true BB cant prevent stroke etc, but they can regulate better the H.Rate keeping a steady rate.
The worse thing i have gotten from these meds, is tinnitis, i hear my heart beat in my ears, i dont need my oxymeter to know what the rate is but its very annoying.
You take care, and keep well,
Hi
So we must still remember that with any anticoagulant, aspirin, or warfarin there is a risk of bleeding externally and/or internally.
Also it is not a blanket deterrent that it will prevent stroke/heart attack or TIA. The risk is still there but if any clot dislodges it will be 'dismantled' before it arrives at particular artery etc. including the brain. Your stroke will be less severe.
Meds are all about having less risk of or controlling the diagnosis.
I am almost 4 years down the journey from stroke - still with lingering affects but I'm told that I am doing really well. An improvement from year to year and cancer all clear.
Do take care. Your decisions for your health.
cheri JOY
Hi
Other things diagnosed.
I am 3 years cancer free from papillary Thyroid cancer. I take 125 Synthroid which levels me at TSH 1.0-2.0, T3 4.0, T4 total 21.0-22.0. All normal.
Apart from an op on right shoulder waiting I live with AF, Neck Scans yearly.
I'm very much OK.
The St Johns Alarm for home lessens any anxiety I might have but have used
once to be checked over after a fall in August 2021 - right shoulder.
As I have said BBs aren't necessary right by increasing them for control of AF as there are CCBs as well and rythmn meds.
But H/R under 90 regulates rythmn anyway.
cheri jOY. 74. (NZ)
Hi
No I did not get immediate results of heart scan ECHO.
Many pages long I finally got a copy.
Even though I had to pay $25 or was it $60.
The Heart Special said that I have enlarged back chamber.
I said that a recent Xray of spine detailed that my heart was at
the top of 'normal'.
But the Specialist said that the ECHO better shows it and measures size
doubly pointing to any enlargement.
My yearly neck scan for return of cancer I get the results at the appointment and later getting a letter from my surgeon. Also with examination of my voice box to see if it was working after the stroke but before my thyroidectomy plus.
cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)
Hi there,
I had my ECHO on the cardiology ward after several boats of very fast AF & being blue lighted into hospital. The technician took quite a while and wouldn’t tell be anything as said she needed to look at the measurements & write up the report. Even as an in patient it took 24 hrs to get the report.
Had left atrial enlargement, two slightly leaky valves ( but they aren’t concerned as ok for age 55) and an atrial septal bulge which freaked me out , but apparently I had a few abnormal beats during the echo which distorted the blood flow !
I did ask my GP for another de brief of the ECHO once I was discharged but he was reluctant to say much & advised I discuss it further with the cardiologist.
Anyway, no one was worried about any of it ( accept me) and they reckon with good AF control then the LAE may well reduce !
On diltiazem & flecanide now & AF free ! Yippee, although at some point meds won’t work & I’ll have an ablation or two … but not yet .
All the very best , let us know how you get on. 😊
Many thanks for that. Imagination is inclined to run away with me and I've felt worse today with palpitations/AF episodes of short duration than I've felt before. Just trying to ignore it and get on with daily routine.
when I went in for follow up ECG after 4 weeks on Flecainide late last year I asked the nurse and she said all looks normal. I went into consult and the Prof said I’m still in AF…. It was really controlled with good HR and showed me the subtle differences. At first glance he said it could be viewed as sinus rhythm but on closer look still AF. I had Cardioversion to sort it late last year. I’d say it’s the Docs telling their staff to not tell the patient as errors can be made
Thanks for that. Hopefully find out soon!
I’ve just had my echocardiogram results back. The consultants words where ‘you have the heart of an 18 year old’ (I’m 61) there was nothing showing up at all. Just had my bisoporol increased to 5mg (2.5 am 2.5pm as 5mg together made me light headed) He went on to say he believed my AF was weight related. He went on to say if I lose 10% of my body weight I’d be a good candidate for an ablation.
oh that’s good news but I don’t think I’ll have that sort of result as technician who , after pushing by me, confirmed there was a problem. Just hoping it’s something minor.
I have EKG done as well and a holtier monitor (24 hour ecg recorder) and it is quiet normal for the tester not to tell you anything just encase they get it wrong and upset you unnecessarily, i would try to think positive thoughts so not to get anxious thus possibly setting off your AF test result’s usually can take up a week to arrive with your doctor and to be honest if there is a problem your doctor will contact you straight away even if you have an appointment booked further in the future.
Many thanks for that. Reassuring- thank you.
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