I'll try and keep it short. I have sinus tachy and take bisoprolol for this. I usually get ectopic beats now and then but ive had quite a few the last couple of weeks. However just now I was sat down watching a bit of news enjoying a bag of quavers and out of the blue my heart rate changed to something I've never experienced before. It sort of sped up a little but not alot but the beats were very close together. This lasted for around 15 seconds then everything went back to normal. No idea what this was or whether it will happen again. I looked up A Fib online but it was only a one off (so far 🤞) So wouldn't want to jump the gun.
Like I said so far its only happened once. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.
I dont have a smartwatch so unable to capture it. I am considering one.
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DanniC88
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Im no expert, can only go by my own experiences and others I know on bisoprolol. If youre on bisoprolol and you are already being treated by your doctor and a cardiologist they will want to know if youre experiencing a change in heart patterns.. If you experience more frequent fibrillations it may be your bisoprolol needs adjusting or maybe a change to another blocker. Its very much trial and error with meds. Often with bisoprolol they like to gradually increase the dosage to reduce AFs so it may be as simple as that. I would certainly mention your concerns to your gp as soon as possible.
You dont mention whether you have a defibrillator fitted but I guess not, therefore it is probably more urgent to report any regular episodes so you can be monitored and treated accordingly. If you do get any more episodes do speak to your gp who may review your meds and/or refer you back to cardiology where they will likely give you a wearable heart monitor to assess your heart rate over a day or week. Its always best to mention any regular episodes to your gp.
My gp usually reminds me theyre no cardiology experts so if I get any really worrying episodes that makes me feel ill and Im not sure whether to seek help she reminds me you can call 111 for advice. They will likely send paramedics round to check your heart and they may suggest you go into A&E for further observation. They will likely ask if youve had any increase in stress lately that may cause your heart problems. Its always worth keeping a diary of any episodes and what you were doing or feeling beforehand. The paramedics will tell you that because its your heart and youve already got some issue with tachycardia thats never something to ignore. Theyd rather get you checked than allow you to take chances so better safe than sorry. The last time I was taken in the cardiologist said Atrial fibrillation, if untreated, could cause a stroke so they want to ensure you are properly assessed and treated so any change concerning your heart must be monitored.
I often get fibrillation which can be a mild flutter or erratic heartbeats but since my cardiac arrests I have a defibrillator (icd) fitted so if my heart rate goes too out of control my icd will shock me. I still have daily episodes so I will likely have my meds dosage increased to calm it down. That seems to be the standard practice.
I must say I've never had that reaction to a bag of quavers before! I do get AFs following a sugar rush though if I haven't eaten for hours on end. Im used to small triggers now and try to avoid them but they can be scary at the time.
Theres several informative youtube videos on the subject too. Im sure you've nothing to worry about but best get checked for peace of mind all round.
Hi thanks for the reply very informative thank you. I dont have a pacemaker or anything like that fitted. Had the sinus tachy for about 3 years now. I haven't been drinking much water lately so will probably increase my intake and see if that happens. Also been suffering with terrible heartburn too. I suffer with acid reflux anyway but its being a bit naughty lately. Will think twice before i eat quavers again. Maybe wotsits are safer. 😄😄
I'm pleased you have some good responses to answer your question. If ypur diet isnt as good as it could be though you are likely to suffer more for it!
I found that bisoprol slowed me right down sk I was doing far less and subsequently I piled on weight. I now have to eat healthily and watch my weight a lot more now. I was always slim before I had my son then found I put a lot of weight on but worked hard to lose it again. I got back to slim again and felt nice and fit again but then post SCA Ive really struggled so much. Lockdown didnt help at all either. One thing Ive learned is not to eat too many carbs or I start to get indigestion. I've more or less given up eating all the white stuff, pastry, bread, even white wine, and swapped for more green stuff instead. Its so much better and easily becomes a habit. The mediterranean diet is recommemded for a healthier heart so fruit and veg have become my normal diet and although not slim enough yet Im getting there but feel better when I've stuck to mainly veg. I still enjoy cake and occasionally naughty foods but providing I have healthy foods on the days either side and I drink plenty of water, Im generally better for it. I make it a rare treat now and feel way better for not overdoing it on the wrong foods. I don't want to scare you but if you suffer from heartburn and indigestion regularly you really must think about changing your diet. Not only is it bad for the heart but I lost my mum to esophagus cancer that spread through her eventually. She was always eating processed foods and always suffering from heartburn and indigestion. It totally reinforced my belief in a fresh healthier diet as it does affect so much in your body. You dont have go go without quavers or favourites but please just be aware and avoid foods that give you unwanted reactions! We really are affected by what we eat. To quote my son when he said he wants me me to exercise more and eat less cakes so he doesnt lose his mum too soon, sorry if I sound like Im preaching but I just want you to be safe and healthy!
The sinus rhythm is triggered by a cocktail of minerals, in minute amounts, firing in quick succession! These minerals are vital for making the body able to do these things. If your mineral balance is out of kilter-through poor diet, or not eating a wide variety of unprocessed foods, it can trigger various responses.
Calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride are all minerals we need every day to function properly. Athletes take them after exercise, but we all need to ensure we are getting the right balance-and plenty of water! Dehydration alters the concentration of minerals and everything else in the body. Or bodies are a finely tuned organism, and needs the correct fuel to operate optimally. You wouldn't put cheap fuel into a Maserati-it's the same thing! I take an electrolyte tablet twice a day to help balance my levels-had one episode in 2017 through low potassium, and not since!Good luck
The principal feature of Atrial Fibrillation is a randomly irregular heartbeat. Next time you have a similar feeling (whether Quavers-induced or otherwise!) just check your pulse by hand. If the beat is irregular then it may be AF, but if it is regular it is unlikely to be AF.
Some people have AF for years and don't realise it because it has little effect on them, others have AF that flares up and raises their heart rate considerably causing various symptoms.
Ectopic beats (beats in the wrong place) can feel like AF, but everyone has them and most never detect them. Ectopics are generally not regarded as harmful.
If you have more Quaver episodes, see your GP. I believe that some Health Districts are providing a home ECG device on which you can capture a simple ECG during an infrequent suspected AF episode.
Thanks Paul. It felt like the beats were very quick together ffor a few seconds rather than the standard heart beat we all know. They weren't erractic just quicker together in rhythm if that makes sense.
It's probably not AF but you should mention it to your doctor at your next appointment, unless it happens again and bothers you in which case ask your doctor to carry out an ECG.
I also have sinus tachycardia and ectopic beats and have done for many years, but am not on medication. Have recently seen a cardiologist who wanted to check whether I was going into AFib and organised for me to have a KardiaMobile which can take an ecg. If my heart starts racing I check it in an O2 monitor which give the pulse rate and also shows whether the rate is regular. I have seen ectopic beats on my O2 monitor which is weird and rather disconcerting!! If I am concerned I will do an ecg on the KardiaMobile which will tell me if I am in AFib and then can respond appropriately.
Any irregularities, episodes or changes are best checked with your GP or cardiologist.
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