Pain during Afib episode

[Wombat51]

Over the past few months l have had a few episodes of Afib but mostly they were mild and went away after a couple of hours. But last night l suffered the worst one l can remember, my heart was thumping and l was struggling a bit to catch my breath. The most worrying part was extreme body pain especially in my joints. I fractured my arm 2 years ago, it never healed properly and a year ago l had an operation to fit a metal plate. The pain l had in my arm around the area of the break was excruciating. I'm am still washed out after last night and very anxious that l will suffer another episode any time. Has anyone else had this kind of body pain during an Afib attack.

[Cavalierrubie]

Hi Wombat,

I have had AF episodes where they vary in severity, but on the occasions l have had chest pain l have taken myself off to AE just to be on the safe side.

It is scary when it happens and to make sure it is AF l think it best to get checked. I think the rule is chest pain, breathlessness and dizziness are red flags for intervention. Pain in the body l have never had, but pain in the arm, neck or jaw is another red flag.

If you feel unwell again l wouldn’t hesitate to take yourself off to AE. In the meantime, perhaps go see your GP and see what he thinks. Maybe you need some tests and a review. Take care.

Chris.

[Wombat51 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi Chris thanks for your reply. I would normally head to A&E but the last couple of times l went l sat for hours then was sent home as the test l had were normal as my Afib has settled by then. The reason l had asked was as this was different than before as l had never experienced pains in my joints. I'm am going to try and see my GP tomorrow hopefully l might get an understanding of my condition.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Wombat51]

Yes, l know how awful it is going to AE especially this time of the year with all the bugs going around. I think you wise just to ask your GP. It will put your mind at rest. Worrying only brings on AF. It does sound strange with pains in your joints. You take care and hope all goes well at the doc’s.

[Wombat51]

Thanks again.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Wombat.

It's pretty common for AFib to cause palpitations and shortness of breath. However, joint pain isn't a typical symptom as far as I'm aware.

I think it would be an idea to consult a medic as the metal plate could be the cause of your pain. Feeling anxious about AFib might also make you feel more sensitive. Stress counselling might help.

Paul

[meadfoot]

My worst episodes have involved all over body pain even under my feet. My heart rate was at its highest level of 298 beats per minute I was in Afib and SVT. The pain in my heart and all over my body was indescribable. I was told by the cardiac registrar sitting beside my hospital bed holding my hand for reassurance that the excruciating pain was caused by my body not being able to coordinate and respond to such a ridiculously high heart rate and pump blood effectively. It was terrifying.

Please get checked out to ensure all is well. I was given IV morphine during it it was so intense. Perhaps ask to see your cardiologist for further input given this experience. Best wishes.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to meadfoot]

How horrific Meadfoot. I was not aware this could happen, even if very rare. Just confirms that we need to take the pain seriously. I can’t imagine what you must have gone through and the trauma of it all. Something like that stays with you forever. Glad you are ok and lots love to you. ❤️

[meadfoot]

Thank you. Yes it fades a little but stays in the mind as a dread for if it repeats. Take care yourself. Love to you too.

[Ppiman]

I haven't but there have been other similar posts on here, if I recall. My guess is that with this episode you had more tachycardia which caused a temporary reduction in your heart's output, leading to a lack of full oxygenation of the tissues, including the nervous supply.

Did you take a home ECG at all? For the future, I would ask your GP to see what can be done to maintain NSR or at least a healthy heart rate and output should another AF episode occur, which it likely will since AF tends to predispose the atrium to yet more AF by slightly "stretching" the sensitised cells around the pulmonary veins.

Steve

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association]

Hello,

Thank you for your post. It is completely understandable to be experiencing anxieties. Please do contact your Doctor as they have full access to your medical records and will be able to advise you personally.

I would like to direct you to one of our resources, AF and You booklet which contains supportive information that I do hope you find helpful:

UK and International: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

US: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Alternatively, if you would like any support or advice, please do complete our contact form and a member of our Patient Services Team will be in touch:

UK and International: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

US: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin