Hello my lovely support group ! Can I ask for reassurance please ? I am in Spain with my family, and although I got through all the getting here ( I’m very nervous of flying ) and it all took a lot if arranging because there are 10 of us, I have only had a very brief episode of Afib. My Afib has actually been better over the last couple of months, but as I have mentioned in a previous post, my PVCs and SVEs have become more frequent. Now I am on holiday, it seems to be worse and I have only captured a few NSRs ( on my Kardia ) since arriving on Sunday. I have just had an echo recently, and a Cardiac physiologist is going to Zoom me in about three weeks. I don’t feel very symptomatic but I am an anxious person and I know that probably makes things worse. I just can’t bury my head in the sand though, and tell myself all is ok. I couldn’t sleep last night for worrying, and that also probably exacerbated the problem. I know I have a couple of leaky valves and am wondering if that can cause palpitations. If anyone can give me words of reassurance to get me through my holiday I would be very grateful. The last thing I want is to try looking for hospital emergency departments here ( no one speaks English ! ) unless it is absolutely necessary. Once I am home, I think I will be less concerned. Thanks in anticipation.
Annie.
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I agree with BobD. I know it's hard but concentrating on what your heart is doing is not a good idea. The more attention you give it the more it will play up, anxiety absolutely feeds irregular beats. It took me many years to realise and people who told me that annoyed me. I thought that their AF couldn't be as bad as mine. Now 18 years after my first attack I can assure you 100% that the more you ignore it the better it will be.
Hi Jean, I just replied to you and it has disappeared into the ether - I must have tapped the wrong button !
But basically, thanks for your lovely message of support. You can always be relied on to offer support and sensible advice. I am feeling more and more determined to ignore the ectopics, after all, they are very mild, and I am going to attempt a nice peaceful siesta to make up for last night’s lack of sleep ( from worry ! )
Firstly, I want to commend you on your bravery and strength in overcoming your fears and making it to Spain with your family. It's understandable that flying can be nerve-wracking, but you did it! Well done you. Back of the net.
I'm glad to hear that your episodes of Afib have been better over the past couple of months. It's important to acknowledge these positive changes. However, I understand that your increased frequency of PVCs and SVEs during your holiday is causing you some concern. Sounds pretty normal to me so try not to worry. Keep in mind that anxiety can often amplify our perception of symptoms and make us more aware of our body's sensations. It's natural to feel anxious, especially when you're in an unfamiliar environment. The lack of sleep can also contribute to increased anxiety and potentially make your symptoms appear worse.
Regarding your leaky valves, they can indeed cause palpitations in some cases. However, it's essential to consult with your medic during your upcoming Zoom call. They will provide you with the most accurate guidance based on your specific situation.
While you're on your holiday, try to focus on enjoying quality time with your family and engaging in activities that bring you pleasure. Remember to practice self-care, such as getting enough rest, eating well, and managing stress through relaxation techniques. Taking care of your overall well-being can help alleviate some anxiety and potentially improve your symptoms.
If you find yourself in a situation where seeking medical attention is necessary, don't hesitate to do so. Local hospitals will have experience dealing with language barriers, and they will do their best to understand and assist you. I've been through this myself when travelling and soon found a translator. Cost me about 10 quid.
Focus on enjoying your time with your family and stay positive. You've come a long way, and I'm confident you will get through this holiday and look back with happy memories.
Take care and have a wonderful time!
Paul
PS - I almost forgot. Don't forget to grab me some duty-free from the airport on your way back will yus
Thank you Paul - a lovely supportive post; well considered and comforting to receive. I realise that when I feel better I will look back and think of myself as foolish, but as many people on this forum know only too well, when your heart is playing up, it’s difficult to think sensibly !
Sure Annie. We all feel like this from time to time. It's normal with afib. Enjoy your holiday and remember the deep breathing technics if you feel nervious - they really can help.
Have a great holiday and don't forget my duty free
You’ll probably be fine. As health professionals are fond of telling us, ectopics are not life threatening and are considered more of a “nuisance” than anything else. Easy for people to say, but they’re very unpleasant to live with.
Valve problems are often part of the AF picture. I don’t know if ectopics are part of the symptom pattern for everyone but I had mitral valve regurgitation identified and increasing ectopics before AF happened. The cardiologists weren’t all that concerned about the valve problem but it was decided that I should have an echocardiogram every 2-3 years to keep an eye on it. It seems that they’re doing the same for you. It can progress but it doesn’t always, and they don’t treat until it becomes “severe” - and there are numbers for that. It’s good that they’re going to Zoom you about your results because it’s far better than the reports languishing in a computer file being forgotten about until someone takes a cursory glance at your next cardiology appointment.
In the meantime enjoy your holiday. Ectopics are what they are, but try not to let their presence spoil your holiday too much.
Thank you so much Autumn_Leaves. Your words are very reassuring and what with your response and those of the previous responders, I feel a little less anxious already, and after a day resting, I am going out to socialise ( one glass of wine - it doesn’t seem to make any difference to anything for me ! ) with my children and grandchildren. Thanks again !
Agree with Bob particularly about hydration I only have AF occasionally and had some after getting overheated in Spain so water water water!! PS it will pass so relax and enjoy your holiday!
I am fairly sure that slightly leaky valves affect the electrical activity of the heart and, in general, aren't an issue (or at least you'd have been told if they were).
I live with ectopic beats of both varieties, PVC and PAC couplets, triplets and so on. I am sure they will do you no harm, so getting anxious is punishing yourself, in a way, and fertilizing the ground for more of them to grow. That said, Mr Anxious is writing this reply, so I'm a fine one to type that.
Basically, you are fine, and if AF rears its head, you'll be okay with that, too. That's my experience. Have you been told to try an extra bisoprolol when needed?
Bob's comment on the Kardia, well meaning as he always is, would not help me even a smidgeon. If you get comfort from it, use it; if you get anxiety from it, sell it|!
Thanks Steve. Actually today, I only know I have the palpitations because Kardia tells me, and when I am very still I can just about feel them. The thing with ditching Kardia is that I am always searching for the absolute joy and relief I get when I have NSR result! But of b CNN purse, it’s the opposite when I DONT get it. Feeling a bit better today - mainly thanks to everyone like you who has written thoughtful suggestions, not just simple platitudes. There are some lovely people on this forum.
We are what we are, Annie. I don't much go with simple solutions to complex problems, myself so I'd hang on the the Kardia and use it to give the comfort and security you need. But... if I couldn't feel my heart out of kilter, I suspect I wouldn't be too worried to find out that it was since it must be pumping well enough to do what it's there for!
Yes, I won’t actually ditch the Kardia, but I have come to realise, especially after hearing what you and others have said, that I probably obsess with it a bit too much. I think I need to concentrate more on living for the minute than trying to work out a layman’s diagnosis. Thanks Steve.
First as advised, ditch the Kardia then find out where there is a decent cardiac department. Once you know where you could go IF necessary it will ease your mind. Then stop worrying (easier said than done) and enjoy your holiday. The more you worry and focus on your heart, the worse it will be as you know. I suspect you are thinking "What if" instead of I'm fine.
You are right about planning in case of necessity. Fortunately I gave Spanish friends here who would know how to help. As I write this, I am thinking “ everyone in this forum is going to wonder what on earth I am worried about ! “
I don’t know if it will reassure you, but I went to Spain recently after an AF episode and looked up the hospitals. The Spanish healthcare system has a very good reputation.
What's the worst that can happen? That the ectopics kick off an afib attack? I went into afib on holiday last year for the first time. It happened on 3 separate trips . I just carried on. The first time we were on a particularly long motorcycle journey and it was pretty hot . But I had nothing to do except sit on the bike and admire the scenery and luckily the constant weeing had stopped by the time we set out. We stopped for lunch - still in afib. I can tell by just feeling my pulse but I find it easiest just above the tragus of the ear and you can't check there with a helmet on! We stopped again about 4pm for a rest and a drink. I had gone back into NSR but I had no idea when. Altogether it was far less traumatic than I had imagined it would be . I have stopped using my Kardia . My afib follows a pattern and checking on the Kardis just makes me more anxious. Since I have stopped using it the episodes have become a bit shorter. So relax , enjoy your holiday soak up some sun - the nitric oxide sun exposure creates lowers blood pressure .
I was very anxious about it for a while when it dawned on me that what I had thought was a one off due to exposure to a nasty antibiotic was not disappearing with time . But then I discovered that anxiety was making it worse (and my episodes did become less symptomatic ) so I try not to let it upset my life and regard it as just a nuisance.
Hi Annie try not to worry as it will make your ectopics worse l have ectopics as well as a leaky valve and moderate plaque in a heart valve. l take Bisoporol Aspirin and Rosuvastatin l go to Spain regularly for 3 months at a time the private hospital staff all speak English and l would say that 85% of the public hospitals speak English as do the pharmacy staff. My ectopics usually get worse after my flight l think it’s due to the cabin pressure as well as change in weather and also being tired it’s a long day isn’t it when you have to catch a flight. I would say 100% that the hospitals in Spain are much better than the uk. Try to stop the anxiety and have fun. I’m 72 and due to go back to Spain in December until March x
It’s interesting what you say about cabin pressure and tiredness. We had to get up at 3 in the morning to get our flight and there was a fair amount of worry in case I had got some part of the booking wrong for 10 of us ! Although my ectopics had got worse over the last couple of months, they have been pretty constant since arriving on holiday. After all the support I am getting here, I am becoming more accepting of them !
Mine were definitely tiredness we got a 7.30 flight from Gatwick and had to get up really early it took me quite a while to get over it my ectopics are worse when I’m tired but as l was there for 3 months lt didn’t take too long to settle down but same thing happens when l fly home. Enjoy your holiday and be assured the Spanish health service is second to none and should you need their help you will be looked after
Greetings Annie, I have read all the replies so far and your comments. Glad to see you have gotten some helpful advice & reassurance. I too have experienced increased anxiety worrying about what may happen. Having a plan of action is a very good approach. Reassure yourself "you know what to do" if needed. Personally I find using the Kardia monitor & checking my vitals every morning very comforting. It has become a sort of security blanket...lol The other thing I have found to significantly decrease & most days stop the PAC's & PVC's is adding Magnesium Chloride tabs ( In the US it's called SlowMag) two twice a day has been a game changer for that & keeping my BP in my normal range 96-114/66-72 Pulse 64-82 Lastly one of the best practical things you can do everyday is decide on one thing you "will do" that you know is relaxing. Relaxation & intentionally redirecting your attention does help manage the anxiety more than I ever thought it would...but it works ! Enjoy your trip !
Thank you PleasantPink, yet another comforting message to help me through this spell. It’s so good of you to take the time to offer support. I now have an arsenal of tips to help improve my QoL whilst having the palpitations. Thank you !
Hello ANNIE, just yesterday I checked my spo2 level with my oximeter while I was sitting down relaxing while in afib and it showed my HR was 217BPM and it freaked me out, so I immediately grabbed my BP machine and checked it, and it was 128/94 with HR 88. I use an Innovo IP900AP deluxe oximeter which is supposed to be very accurate and an Omron 7 series upper arm BP machine. I called the manufacturer before on a reading I got with the oximeter and all they could say was it sounds that the oximeter was going bad. These monitors for home use are not made nearly as well as the Hospital equipment so we need to take the reading sometimes not so seriously. My EP say's it's all in how you feel (no fainting, no chest pain) as we know our bodies more than anyone else does and we know when something is amiss. But then comes in the equation of anxiety which can mimic so many negative symptoms that it is very confusing. When I get in those situations I just try and relax for a while then taking the readings again and they're usually back down to where they should be. Stress, Anxiety and Over Thinking can be very disruptive at times. Hope this Helps and you are feeling better.
You are another ‘Star’ here on the forum. To know that so many people have experienced the same anxieties as I have is enormously comforting ( I don’t mean it’s nice to know you have suffered this way ! 😱 ), you know what I mean. Thanks so much for your response.
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