Palpitations and skipped beats.

[Fondant]

I had AF In July 2021 And I had a successful cardioversion in September 2021. Nearly six months later I’ve been fine and had no issues apart from the shock of getting AF aged 41 it has given me real issues with anxiety. My blood pressure on average was about 117/75 and resting heart rate in the 50’s. I was genuinely fit and used to run regularly and doctors think my AF was due to over exercise and dehydration. As I said I’ve been fine……but today I’ve had palpitation most of the day, can feel my heart occasionally skipping beats and it’s got me worried. I checked blood pressure and it had gone up to 134/87. Anyone else have similar issues? I must admit that since my AF diagnosis last year I have become a nervous wreck and am constantly checking my heart stats on Apple Watch.

[TanteMuh]

Hi FondantYour story is similar to mine! I have had my AF diagnosis last year and have been fine, apart from occasionally some flutters, but about 3 weeks ago i had another AF episode now i am very worried! I want to watch my heart rate more closely now, thats why i am in search for a HR monitor. Thanks to all the advice I've been given here, i bought a Pulse H10. Lets see how this works out!!

[Fondant in reply to TanteMuh]

Hope it works out for you and thanks for your reply. I must say that it helps hearing peoples stories who are in a similar position……people I speak to who have no issues just think I’m silly and make me feel like I’m going mad

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I would call the GP. AF for a day sounds worth mentioning. Anxiety (as you suggest) might well be part of it, but I would get it checked out.

[Blondie12345]

I feel like i might be at the start of this journey you have been on..I was doing regular cardio running everyday last year but then noticed when i wasnt working out i was getting flutters in my chest usually occurs at rest when my smart watch is reading 55bpm.. i am booked for an ecg soon.

[Fondant in reply to Blondie12345]

You’ll have to let me know how your ECG goes. Everywhere I read it says that it’s nothing to worry about. However it can be annoying and frightening at times. I have quite bad anxiety issues and apparently this makes the palpitations worse. Maybe now that your aware of it your waiting for it and noticing it more? I reckon that’s the same with me. Definately get the ECG but if you otherwise feel fine then continue with your exercise and your normal life. Keep running!

[Blondie12345 in reply to Fondant]

I did actually have a normal result from the ECG at the GP office. I have been referred now to have a 24hour ECG because there were no symptoms present during the short snapshot they take at the gp.

Will let you know but i think its a few months wait time.

[Fondant in reply to Blondie12345]

How often do you get the fluttering if you don’t mind me asking? I can sort of feel when mines about to come on and if I feel my pulse I can feel a skipped beat.

[Blondie12345 in reply to Fondant]

It seems to be a couple of times a week and usually in the evening, sitting / lying down etc. It can happen for a few minutes but last night was on and off for a few hours. I usually stand up to raise my HR for it to try and disappear.🙄

[Blondie12345 in reply to Fondant]

It feels more like a scrambled /fluttering feeling rather than a one off skipped beat.

[Fondant in reply to Blondie12345]

Maybe your over exercising. If your running everyday you could be over doing it. That’s what the hospital said triggered my AF. A combination of poor hydration, over exercising and running in extreme heat.

[Blondie12345 in reply to Fondant]

I was running a 5km most mornings trying to get my PB of 21minutes. Perhaps this did trigger off the lower resting heart rate for being highly active. I will have to wait a few more months yet for my 24hour ecg to see what the issue is.

[Fondant in reply to Blondie12345]

So a very good standard of running. So yeh it could be over exercising. I was scared to go running cos of my heart, took months to overcome and when I did and was getting somewhere…..I pulled my calf muscle. Can’t win!! My PB IS 20:57 for a 5k, although I think those days are long gone.

[Circular]

My first suggestion would be to turn off the Apple watch. My wife bought me a Fitbit and like you I was constantly checking the stats. I have had a range of heart problems over the last few years. Anxiety is inevitable but the high levels of anxiety I experienced were magnified by my obsession with the Fitbit readings. It is now tucked away in the back of a drawer and I am much much calmer as a result.

[Fondant in reply to Circular]

Thank you! I think turning the Apple Watch off is a good idea. Seeing as though it’s the first thing I check when I wake up and last thing at night. I would say I’m quite obsessed with the heart stats. Hopefully if I don’t look I’ll be a lot calmer.