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afib breathless

Iainzzz profile image
15 Replies

I get out of breath really quickly when I exert myself a bit and get really panicky about it

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Iainzzz profile image
Iainzzz
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15 Replies
Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

I suspect we all get frightened of that awful feeling. I am lucky not to have it too badly. My elderly friend, now 91, with permanent AF for more years than I recall, has had it whenever he walks up. even a mild slope. Before the days of my own AF, when we used to go birdwatching together, it frightened me thinking he was going to have a heart attack or something catastrophic, but he remained completely undisturbed, just pausing for a few moments to catch his breath. I end his calm.

Have you had the usual check up including an echocardiogram to show that all's well apart from the wiring?

Steve

Dudtbin profile image
Dudtbin

I get very breathless going up hills, it used to worry me , now i just keep going and let everyone else worry! Just stop take a few breaths and make sure you’re hydrated i do feel awful with hills and lack of hydration.

Tux18 profile image
Tux18 in reply toDudtbin

I have a question- do you get breathless even when you aren’t in afib?

I rarely am in afib anymore, however I can get very breathless particularly on inclines. In the last six months or so I’ve had EKGs and stress test, and echocardiogram. And I’m not told that there’s anything serious or significant after those evaluation.

Just wondering if you or others who have been diagnosed with afib but aren’t in afib have problems with breathlessness?

Thank you.

TaffinSussex profile image
TaffinSussex in reply toTux18

Yes I did until I had my Bisoprolol stopped...then it disappeared altogether over about 2 weeks. I was put onto Diltiazem 180mg but due to that causing some big issues they stopped that in preference for a lower dosage of Bisoprolol and a lower dose of Amlodapine. The breathlessness returned but not as bad as when I was on 2.5mg...now since mid October I'm only on 1.25mg split into an a.m and p.m dose along with 1.25mg of Amlodapine also split into 2 doses. I'm noticeably less breathless...although I know my overall level of fitness has dropped significantly due to needing 2 new knees so it may be more to do with that.

Tux18 profile image
Tux18 in reply toTaffinSussex

Thank you for your reply. Very helpful to me!

Dudtbin profile image
Dudtbin in reply toTux18

I haven’t had an episode of afib 🤞 since 2022 but am still breathless. we were on holiday and i felt really poorly walking around, realized i was dehydrated, rested with some water and i was fine, when i get worried i keep saying to myself the stress mri showed everything was ok. i will have my review soon and im going to mention the breathlessness then there was talk last year of changing from sotalol but im not sure if i want to.

Drone01 profile image
Drone01

Maybe time to review your medication, cos it’s usually the result of betablockers.

Pindarus profile image
Pindarus

Sublingual spray, as prescribed by your doctor normally helps to reduce the breathlessness quickly. It can either be applied when you have it, or if you know beforehand that you are going to be exerting yourself half an hour beforehand.

ForensicFairy profile image
ForensicFairy in reply toPindarus

How does a sublingual spray help breathlessness? Sublingual is the means of delivery, not a specific drug. I’d imagine it would depend on why and what is the cause of the breathlessness. I can’t see a sublingual spray of presumably glyceryl trinitrate would help me with my breathlessness or most others. Can you please give more detail on the drug you’re referring to?

Pindarus profile image
Pindarus in reply toForensicFairy

I was prescribed glyceryl trinitrate to help with the breathlessness I suffer due to my heart condition. I can report that it helps, I don't know the precise medical reason, doubtless a doctor would be able to explain.

Cozzer profile image
Cozzer

Some meds can cause this , betta blockers or digoxin etc, how well rate controlled are you? A period of adjustment can help to control it a bit , don't expect to be the same just because we're taking meds, (though symptoms are different for all) allow more time to do simple tasks and go steady rather then bursts, recognise any limitations and just listen to your body ,

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut

Don’t panic!- just rest and take it easy with gentle slow breathing and nice thoughts!

Kimmieblue profile image
Kimmieblue

I just read a post from Gazzer8383, it's very interesting and you should have a read, it's made me realise I don't want to be defined by my condition. I get very worried about the problems which come with AF but I've decided I need to carry on and live life the best I can.

All the best to you Iainzzz.

Happy new year.

K.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

HI

What are your meds?

Metoprolol 23.75 x 3 made my breathless on any exertion. A Heart monitor put me at 186bpm day! Pauses at night. Told I could reduce it. Reduced over 1 year 5 months still in trouble.

AF high/rapid heart beat. You need to get that controlled.

After a change to Bisoprolol no breathless or pauses but @ 156 on H/Monitor still not controlled.

Private introduced to CCB Diltiszem. 180mg CD AM brought H.Rate Day to 51 .. too much.

So reduced Biso.. to 2.5mg PM

120mg CD Diltiazem great and controlled my H/Rate. Night normally is 47avg bpm over 3 H/Monitors.

Now able to drop Biso....

Trialling that regime as a drop in BP.

Need your meds and your credentials BP and H/Rate.

cheri JOY. 75 (NZ)

sceptical101 profile image
sceptical101

Could it be a general lack of fitness? I'm in the same position as I have done no exercise other than walking for months. Prior to the onset of persistent A Fib in August and subsequent ablation ( I'm in blanking period) I've not pushed myself and when I now attempt inclines I am huffing and puffing. I am hoping I just need to get fit again so I can enjoy my previous active lifestyle.

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