Can anybody tell me who suffers with A Fib , if their bpm fluctuate widely each day? So, for example, I average around 67bpm during the day but at times spike > 100bpm and then drop as low as 15 to 20bpm (albeit that doesn’t last very long’)!
Anybody else experienced this?
Hi, mine averages about 70 but can fluctuate up to 140 ish depending on my activities. Seems to go what I would describe as high if I didn’t have AF but that’s life. Maybe worth getting the low rate you experience verified
Thank you.
Thank you.
That sounds way too low, even for a very short while, but what are you using to measure it? A Kardia is reliable, but most other things give false readings with AF. See the AFA site of Health Unlocked.
I’m using one for of those fitness watches which gives readings of your heart rate and yesterday’s reading was quite alarming albeit for a short period of time (3 low points).
Hear what you say and Thank you
My understanding is that the technology that these watches use (with the possible exception of the latest iwatch) is not able to handle AF. It should be fine though, when your heart is not in AF. In AF just ignore the watch, and go by how you feel. Or buy a Kardia (about £100, but worth it I think), but you need to be at rest (ie still, not exercising) to use it.
Oh you’ve been so helpful.
I had never heard of a Kardia until today, and will find out more about it .
Many Thanks
Are you taking any medication to control your AF, or any med's for high blood pressure?
I wouldn't rely on a pulse reading from a machine, and also remember that with AF, the heart rate may be different from the peripheral pulse as not all the beats are transmitted through to the peripheral arteries, so a very low pulse, even if it is accurate, doesn't necessarily mean a low heart rate.
With some practice ,it isn't that difficult to take your pulse by feeling with your fingers although it's more difficult with AF, and that's also why machines sometimes struggle so you could practice with people who aren't in AF first. The trick is to use the index and 2nd finger and not to press so hard that you occlude the pulse.
If you're worried then see your Doctor and they should do an ECG.
The medications I’m on are flecanide and bisoprolol.
Thank you for you input and found it very helpful.
Definitely worth seeing your Doctor if you're on Flecanide . It's a potent drug and it can cause arrhythmias such as heart block which could cause the pulse to drop very low. Flecanide is also sensitive to changes in kidney function.
If you feel light headed, short of breath or have any chest pain then I think a trip to the ER would be advisable. Take care.
Thank you very much for your advice.
I have to say though, it’s all very alarming.
Cheers
It might simply be that the machine isn't picking up your pulse, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
I was put on zemtard when I was told I had a fib wen I had my cardio I was put on Apixaban as well before the medication my bpm was the same as you up down hope you get sorted out
Want to come off warfrin
What happens next after a DVT in my calf/behind my knee?
INR
I'd like a bit of guidance / reassurance
Self Testing INR management - Borough of Hackney. 
