Monitoring bradycardia related blackouts

[Loafinabout]

I currently use a simple finger monitor to check my low heart rate but lately I think I am experiencing episodes of loss of consciousness. They aren’t preceded by tiredness and happen when I don’t feel sleepy, eg 6pm. I am retired, and not inactive - dog walking twice daily (total 3 hours) plus gardening - home maintenance etc . I e looked at Kardia monitor but that won’t record my heart rate when in a blackout caused by a low heartrate (if indeed that is what I am experiencing). I’m struggling with generalised chest discomfort/ache and my breathing is somewhat ‘tight’ which is at its worst when I wake up in the morning. I’ve reported all this via surgery Ap but no response other than continue blood thinners prescribed when in AFib. Any suggestions for self monitoring of blackouts ? It would be good to take some evidence to the doctor. Thanks for reading.

[seniorita]

Are you checking your blood pressure? Most machines will record heart rate as well. That could give you some insight.Keep a record if at least twice daily readings manually then send those readings to GP with a list if symptoms. If all else fails, and particularly if you are getting chest pain/breathlessness, ring 111. They can say you need to see a doctor within a specific time frame and notify your GP practice.

[sampaloc0624]

Im using a pulse oximeter which comes handy dangling on my neck always. When it shows high or low HR, i use my portable ecg to validate and record.

[Loafinabout in reply to sampaloc0624]

Many thanks for this - if you wear it during sleep does is record low readings?

[sampaloc0624 in reply to Loafinabout]

Ah no. If that is what you need, i think omron have that ring wearable monitor

[Loafinabout in reply to sampaloc0624]

That’s very helpful, Thankyou!

[Stanley18]

Please be careful. I suffered several blackouts, two of which led to head injuries, one serious as I tumbled down the stairs. I was diagnosed with sinus node bradycardia and fitted with a pacemaker. On each occasion, even just sat in a chair, it was very clear to me that I had blacked out. My blackouts would typically be preceded by a momentary nausea of sorts. Sometimes I would experience such pre-syncope symptoms without losing consciousness.

[Loafinabout in reply to Stanley18]

I go off just like you and it’s really disconcerting. My surgery don’t seem overly interested - they think I’m simply falling asleep which I know it isn’t. I’ve ordered a Kardia monitor and will look for the Omron ring mentioned by Sampaloc0624