Heartbeat

[Sollange]

This is not a regular occurrence but on three occasions my heart has started beating very rapidly and irregularly making me feel very strange. It then returns to normal if I rest for a few minutes. I therefore have ignored it but should I take it more seriously?

[BeeJayAitch]

Regret to say that it sounds like atrial fibrillation if you feel better after resting for a few minutes. It's exactly what happened to me. I'd be out on my bike and could chug along just fine but at the first bit of hill I'd suddenly feel all the strength go from my legs. Rested for a few minutes and then could carry on fine.

The good news is that it's very treatable - but it might take a few rounds of treatment until you get a lasting fix. I had a couple of cardioversions and then two ablations before they nailed it. After another incident earlier this year I got an ICD and that should sort it permanently.

Get down to your GP for a referral straight away before it gets serious.

[Sollange in reply to BeeJayAitch]

Thanks for your response. Sounds exactly the same as I experienced. I didn't mention it but I also felt like my legs were heavyweights. Good advice and I'll get it checked out.

[Eadaoin]

Sounds like AF. Medication can help and is usually the first step on diagnosis. Episodes can be uncomfortable and even unnerving. Keep a record of your pulse rate and how long an episode lasts, then you have facts for the doctor.

[Sollange in reply to Eadaoin]

Thanks for response. I take on board your comments and will make an appointment to see my GP.

[Sollange in reply to Eadaoin]

Thanks Eadaoin. Good advice.

[SaintMichael]

Needs to be checked out-- but could be ventricular ectopics (basically extra heart beats like palpitations) which I get this occasionally, but had a few together recently and am going for an ECG with a referral to cardiology in case it might be atrial fibrillation.

[Sollange in reply to SaintMichael]

Thanks a lot for your reply and advice. I think all the responses have been very helpful and I will get it checked out.

[FergusXia]

Hi Sollange, like you, I have had extremely frightening heart episodes with my heart seeming to thump so hard, stop and then start again erratically. This lasted on and off for several days, and I have since found out that I should have gone to A and E. My GP did blood tests, where I found out that my potassium levels were very high. I brought this down by cutting back on various foods (which were healthy foods, eg tomatoes, spinach bananas etc.), and I have had no return of this frightening happening. I have been diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, but quite honestly all I feel now is the occasional flutter, like a butterfly in my chest. I am now on anticoagulants, and will just see what happens with time. I've found it so helpful reading what other members write on this site. People have had varied experiences and are willing to pass on any helpful nformation they may have.

[BigT2013]

It does sound like AF.

I have paroxysmal AF.

If it is u need to see a GP or cardiologist. Sooner rather than later.

AF can cause blood clots and puts u at a higher risk of stroke during an episode.

Mine was sorted with medication.

[Sollange]

Ok comments taken and thank you.