Undiagnosed AF?

[Windmill6]

Hi, I am waking up every night with my heart pounding feeling like it is bursting through my chest but not a fast rate. I am on beta blocker Atenalol for palpitations. I've had numerous ecgs but nothing abnormal shows, my last echo was normal too. But I am convinced something is wrong,I also feel extremely tired and have less energy for walking which I love to do. I am also experiencing odd bouts of dizziness too. As usual my GP is at a loss of what to do!.Latest bloods OK but I've noticed even with the meds (spironolactone and atenalol ) my bp has increased to 140/90 on occasions.What does AF feel like? Any advice please?

[VeeWat]

hi

Why don’t you ask your cardiologist for a 30 day holter monitor or a Loop recorder?

[Windmill6 in reply to VeeWat]

Hi, I will do thanks.Having alot of other health issues too,seeing a consultant on Tuesday,hoping for some answers.

[Hidden]

When i was in AF after a heart attack, my heart rate was really irregular. It would beat like 3 beats normally, then pause, beat, then do 4 fast beats then 1 skip, then 10 normal ones. It was all over the place. Not sure if all aF is like this. But mine was certainly not regular. I had a cardioversion to reset it and now it beats at a regular in time speed. It still does skip beats and extra beats at times but they say its still in regular rythum.

Symptoms wise i was in a bad way anyways.. I had all the usual symptoms at that time, low energy, cough, short breath, couldn't walk 50m if i tried.

Check your pulse to see if its regular and in sync..

[Windmill6 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks for your advice. I have other health issues that may be connected,seeing a consultant On Tuesday. It seems more like multiple palpitations but I can't be sure.Yet all my ecg tests are normal.Latest blood tests were fine too but I have a complex endocrine disorder so all a bit complicated.

[Aztec632]

Hi AF is very noticeable. In my experience Its a feeling that your heart isn't beating properly out of rhythm. Not like palpitations.I have had palpitations skipped beats ecopic beats for many years. I also take atenelol. I am am anxious person I have other medical issues going on with my immune system which is making me very tense lately.

I have recently been having the same sensations as you and I too have woken up in the night the same. I put it down to the tension and anxiety. I wake up abruptly after an intense dream. If I have anything medical going on my heart rate increases too. Mine has been higher than 140/90 but it does come back down again once I take back control of my anxiety.

Is there anything troubling you at all? It's good that you have had tests done but obviously you know your own body and if you can't relate it to something like a stressful time in your life then push for more testing.

[Aztec632]

I assume you had a full blood count done which ruled out anaemia. That can make you feel extremely tired dizzy and heart issues.

[Windmill6 in reply to Aztec632]

Hi,thank you for your advice. I have an appointment on Tuesday to see a consultant .I had normal blood tests last time,hb was fine.I have a complex endocrine disorder so might be to do with but not sure.

[scentedgardener]

When I first had AF it was difficult to describe to GP, I eventually described it as feeling like footsteps running but frequently stumbling. I find it quite noticeable when in fast AF, but I can also get almost undetectable episodes.

[Windmill6 in reply to scentedgardener]

Hi,thanks for your advice I am seeing a consultant very soon.It feels like multiple palpitations to me,worse at night but isn't fast as I am on beta blocker Atenalol.Hoping to get some answers.

[Hylda2]

You will feel as if you have a bag of snakes wriggling around in your chest. Pop over and join the AF association site on HU. We’re very welcoming

[Windmill6 in reply to Hylda2]

Hi, thanK you. I am hoping for some answers very soon.

[Aztec632]

I hope all goes well with your appointment. Please let us know the findings.

[Windmill6 in reply to Aztec632]

Hi ,thanks you for your kind message I am due some more tests and need to see a dietician .I'm only 5 7kg but struggling to eat properly.I can't eat normal sized meals so have to have smaller snacks.It would seem my gut is not working properly I am constantly bloated and feel full so easily.The low potassium has caused lots of pro bless but is OK now. The Dr's kept telling me it was insignificant I have a problem trusting them now.

[Aztec632 in reply to Windmill6]

Its horrible to have gut issues thrown into the mix isn't it. I guess you had a pottasium fix in hospital then. I hope you are managing to eat some bananas. I always eat smaller meals and snacks now. Little and often works well. I could do with gaining a bit more weight! I nearly lost my life a few years ago due to a doctors wrong diagnosis so I completely understand the lack of trust issues people have. Good luck with your next lot of tests. And I hope you dont have to wait too long.

[Windmill6 in reply to Aztec632]

Thank you for your kind and supportive reply. My dietician appointment is June 1st!! A long way off yet.Meanwhile I have to utilise the FODMAP diet and cut down on wheat. I am also awaiting small bowel studies to check for a condition called gastroparesis, is known to cause bloating.

I have only some of the symptoms of heart failure,but again the low potassium can damage muscles if really low ( mine was) and the heart is a muscle! My GP is not very supportive,I would see another GP but my medical history is complex. I do know that I am feeling alot weaker though and able to do less in the home.

Thanks for reading this!

[Aztec632 in reply to Windmill6]

Yes I agree low potassium will mess with your heart . I hope that your palpitations have improved now that you have sorted the potassium issue.Sorry to hear you are struggling. June!!! Such a long time to wait to be seen , and an unsupportive GP is not what you need .

I wish you all the best and fingers crossed you will get some sensible answers and treatment for your condition.

Don't beat yourself up about not being able to do as much in the home. Put your wellbeing first.

Take care