Fluttering sensation in chest

[K515]

Good day everyone, am new here. I had a pacemaker fitted in Feb ‘22 (no problems since). I have now been diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation and am about to begin taking anti coagulant Apixaban. Have occasionally experienced this fluttery feeling in chest in the past (it’s like a cat’s purr), but it’s been pretty non stop in past 24 hours. I’m 88, so should I be extra concerned? Grateful for any thoughts.

[Hidden]

Hello & Welcome

I have not had a pacemaker so cannot give any advice on that but there are people that have on here

People log on different days and times and I hope those that have had a pacemaker will soon see your post and be able to answer your question

If you are concerned though then either phone your Doctor or 111 for advice as they will be able to help as well as the British Heart Foundation Nurses who you can contact on

0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm or email [e-mail]

I hope you get the answers you are looking for x

[K515 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to K515]

x

[Hidden]

Speak to the gP, but it may help to take your meds at night. Also, check you are getting enough magnesium, potassium sodium and chloride-'electrolytes' as it is the balance and combination of these that controls the heartbeat, as I found out after being hospitalised with an episode of AF. Now I take an electrolyte tablet and have not had a recurrence. These minerals are required in tiny amounts, so if your diet is not of it's best-I don't have much of an appetite, so I prefer to take these in supplement form to make sure I get what is needed. Good luck, and stay well.

[K515 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Qualipop]

My friend's husband had a pacemaker fitted a couple of months ago. His monthly check on it showed atrial fibrillation and the clinic phoned him and gave him apixaban. He's had no obvious fluttering since he started taking it. He's about the same age as you. If you are worried you really should ring 111 or your GP

[K515 in reply to Qualipop]

Helpful, thank you. Am now on Apixaban too.

[EMBoy]

I have a pacemaker and according to the physiologists who do my annual checks, I get occasional bouts of AF. Most of the time, I don't seem to be aware that they are happening, and the medics don't seem too worried. Apparently, those of us who have arrhythmias that need a pacemaker can also get AF. If, however, you get a bout that lasts a long time, you should go to A&E. I'm told that the main problem with AF is that it increases the risk of blood clots, which is why they prescribe anticoagulants.

Worrying can sometimes trigger a bout of AF, so I just try not to worry, and get on with life. Thanks to my pacemaker, I can live a full and active life.

Best wishes.

[K515 in reply to EMBoy]

Thanks for reply. Have not had access to site for a while. Am now on Apixaban and not had any reoccurrence of the fluttering for a while, so am v pleased.