AFib etc

[Macan]

Hi All

Just returned to normal after 17hrs in the dreaded! Only been a week since the last one, two months prior to that.

I’m a newbie as only diagnosed January this year

During this session my average HR was 89(Apple Watch) is this about par or do others have a different experience? Apart from feeling a little not with it, there were no other symptoms.

I’m really only trying to get a feel as to where i stand in the AF league.

I have had every test available and told heart was in very good condition, calcium score of zero which I’m told is good for 78yo male!! No other problems came to light.

Any comments, information etc would be welcome

D

[Jalia]

Heart rate circa 89 bpm when in AF is nothing to get worried about , especially as you've been thoroughly tested. As long as you don't get chest pains, fainting or undue breathlessness in which case seek medical attention.

Are you taking anticoagulants?

Ps ...my heart rate when in AF can be anything from 130 bpm to 240+ bpm so you've got a bit of catching up to do😁

[BobD Volunteer]

Your AF burden is extremely light and if I were you I'd keep quiet about it or everybody will want it. Be glad you are where you are, keep taking the anticoagulants (I do hope you are) and enjoy life.

[Karendeena in reply to BobD]

Lol Bob you do make me laugh 🤣 Yes, can I have one of those please to replace my 30hr episodes with heart rate up and down!

[jeanjeannie50]

I agree with both Jalia and Bob's comments.

A heart rate between 60-100 is considered normal as we grow older, but I do believe I've read here that the rate you had can make some people feel unwell. There are so many different ways a heart can beat abnormally that at times it's difficult to comment.

Jean

[Macan in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi All

Just to clarify, I did say average HR. Actual range 43-196bpm. Because of the way most equipment works, the average over a set period is the best way to get a true indicator of HR.

Thanks for the responses

M

[Buzby62 in reply to Macan]

Yes, the average can be very far from the actual high and low while in AF, I experience the same, average of 70/80/90 while in AF but bouncing from 50s to 150s on beat to beat analysis. Also during my last episode I found the Apple Watch inaccurate on the standard heart rate monitor, it is more accurate and updates quicker if you put a finger on the crown as you do taking an ECG. It would appear that some of my extra AF beats are missed by the standard HR monitor using the light at the back of the watch but is accurate when you complete a circuit with a finger.

support.apple.com/en-gb/HT2...

See section how Apple Watch measures your heart rate.

[Macan in reply to Buzby62]

Hi Buzby62

Thanks for the response and good to see you followed the point I was making. I agree that the crown is faster every second instead of every 5. I’ve also found that some associated apps give a more in depth breakdown than the Apple standard info!

Again thanks all for the response and keep safe

M

[Carol70]

I have not been on here for a long while. I have had AF for many years and after 16 months free , my heart went into AF yesterday afternoon at 4.30pm. Pulse went from 60 which is normal for me decided to do a roller coaster and skipped between 80 and 100. It lasted till 8.30am this morning. Stay calm and it will abate. I have a pacemaker which keeps my heart going lower than 60 but is no use when AF kicks in. This site is so good especially when you are having an attack of the ‘bag of frogs’ feeling. I hope you are feeling better now.

[secondtry]

Suggest you keep a diary recording AF - date, how long, any action taken to self-convert & events prior to it starting eg heavy meal after 6pm, family stress etc

I would then make a private appointment to see a cardiologist in 3 months time to seek suggestions to stop/reduce the episodes.

[Ppiman]

My elderly friend, eleven years your senior, has a permanent form with a similar heart rate to you and hardly knows he has it. I also get similar, but also sometimes with a much faster rate of up to 155/180 bpm.At least you can rest, like me, in the knowledge that your heart is otherwise sound.

AF, with an otherwise sound heart, has the potential to make a person feel like death is around every corner, when it never is.

Steve

[Macan in reply to Ppiman]

Steve

Many thanks for your comments…….and long may it continue that way

[Ppiman in reply to Macan]

It will, I think - but the fears are ever there.

Steve

[Jetcat in reply to Ppiman]

especially when first diagnosed.???? I spent more time updating my funeral plans and worrying about dying than anything.!!! And here I am 10 years later at 55 still working and enjoying every day 👍

[Ppiman in reply to Jetcat]

Now if I was 55 instead of being in a headlong rush to the big 7-0, I’d be more likely to enjoy every day! I find the heart uniquely able to spark off anxiety when it takes a turn, though.

Oh to be young, again!

Steve

[Jetcat in reply to Ppiman]

It’s The anxiety that’s a problem. In the past I got myself into a rite state. I still worry about the future now but not as much. But I do still think of what state of health I may be in.? Will I still be paroxysmal.? Will I be in permanent? Etc etc etc.!!!

[Ppiman in reply to Jetcat]

It’s a club we’re all in here. I’m an anxious type, too.

Steve

[Jetcat in reply to Ppiman]

true Steve. I’m an anxious person too. Mainly health anxiety really with me. I can’t have a normal headache.? It’s something more serious, then I consult Dr Google and before I know it Iv got 12 weeks to live.? When I was younger I had everything.? I once read a medical book and self diagnosed myself with malaria or gengi fever at age of 18 without even leaving the UK.!

[Ppiman in reply to Jetcat]

I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years before becoming an English teacher and that gave me a broad medical knowledge but also a respect for the medical profession. Mind you that respect has been tested many times!

My anxiety isn’t so far from what you describe but I tend to avoidDr Google andcope well until a new symptom knocks me off balance, especially if it lasts for several weeks.

Steve

[Jetcat in reply to Ppiman]

I never go on Dr google now Steve thankfully. Or i try my best anyway.!! I’v been in in the funeral business for nearly 30 years and I don’t think that helps with health anxiety.????

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Ppiman]

Know the feeling Steve and Jetcat, Anything out of the ordinary and my anxiety goes through the roof. It goes hand in hand with AF and fuels this monster. According to my thoughts l shouldn’t really be here. 😩

[Ppiman in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Monster at times, indeed.

Steve

[Jetcat]

heart rate’s nothing to worry about at 89.👍 I wish mine was that low in afib. 120 to 140s when I have a episode.

[Macan in reply to Jetcat]

Hi Jetcat

At the risk of repeating myself, I did clarify that the 89 was an average. The only way, in my opinion, to get a more accurate reading.

[Jetcat in reply to Macan]

I wouldn’t like to say what my average is.?

[Cavalierrubie]

Can l just say a little something to you? When l was first diagnosed l had lots of episodes, which l now know, was the stress of being newly diagnosed. It was a shock. It was scary. The only thing that helped was this forum and knowing it was not life threatening. There is a lot to take in and accept. I thought my life was over but couldn’t have been more wrong. Once you get settled and stabilised into this monster you should calm down and have a good quality of life. I had some problems with medication not suiting me, so it was trial and error. Like yourself, other than AF my heart is fine. It will get better.

[Macan in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi Cavalierrubie

Your words I feel are very true. I’ve just come back from playing two hours at a rather strenuous tennis game, during which my Average HR was 141! My consultant told me this should not be a concern provided there are no issues and I feel ok, which I do apart from being a little tired now!!!

Does anyone else on here have a pursuit they can still enjoy even with a ABib diagnosis?

Keep safe all

PS 55yo……you are an infant on this board I think….

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Macan]

Wasn’t the Wimbledon Men’s Final fantastic this year? I love tennis, but sadly not able to play owing to osteoporosis in my legs. You did well playing for 2 hrs. You will probably find out some things that trigger your AF as time goes on, The motto is everything in moderation and be sensible. Yes, l am an infant on here compared to lots and still have things to learn.