Irregular Heartbeat

[1AnneMcC]

Morning All,

I joined this forum for advice on my husband's heart problems however Ithis week i had Doppler tests on my feet and legs (ok as it turned out) but the nurse told me I had very high BP (160/100) and an irregular heartbeat. I heard this too on the Doppler.

She advised me to see my GP quickly.

Yesterday I met with the practice nurse who did BP (173/100) but ecg showed no irregularities.

This practice nurse almost killed my husband (triple bypass + 1 heart valve) by saying his swollen ankles were a result of his medication. Two weeks later on 30/12/19, he had a heart attack resulting in a months stay in hospital and stent fitted. Earlier this year she telephoned diagnosed him with chest infection and prescribed amoxicillin "for 7 days but if you feel better after 5 stop taking them". Two weeks later he was taken by Ambo to hospital with a suspected HA. They found deep seated infection of the lining of his lungs and another murmur. So you see why I'm not filled with confidence in her.

Anyway, sorry for the diatribe but can anyone tell me if an irregular heartbeat (which I found out is called Atrial fibrillation) can come and go? Also how do I get to lower my BP without medication? I'm also unsure if the distinction between upper and lower figures.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any advice.

[Bagrat]

Hello, I'm replying to your quetion re irregular heart beat. Atrial fibrillation can come and go, it is then called paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. It is often difficult to catch on an ECG and even on a 48 hour monitor all may look good. It is an issue with the "electrics" of the heart not the structure.Re blood pressure, my feeling is you would benefit from a GP appointment and taking your blood pressure at home regularly for a couple of weeks ( if you don't value the opinion of this particular nurse that's enough to put B/P up.)

I don't know your age and suspect you have not got a firm diagnosis re Atrial Fibrillation. There are various arrhythmias the majority of which are benign but scary! There are lifestyle changes that can help B/P but I won't launch into those!!

[1AnneMcC in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks Bagrat. I'm 71 yo. I borrowed a BP monitor from the GP and am taking pressures twice daily. First couple were very high but yesterday somewhat lower. I have another appointment with the practice nurse next week. Stay safe.

[Bagrat in reply to 1AnneMcC]

Always rest for 5 mins before taking BP. Rest again then take again twice, average out the three. If high mine drops dramatically second time!