Advice please

[Ana-16]

Since starting on the steroid journey I have experienced palpitations and high blood pressure. The palpitations were controlled by beta blockers and since reducing the steroid dose my blood pressure is back to normal. However my heart rate is not! I’ve reduced the beta blockers because my pulse was low. I have an all singing all dancing watch which measures my heart beat and it’s been quite scary dropping to low 40s and on one occasion going to 171!! I’ve spoken to my gp and she has asked me to switch on the function that lets you know if there’s evidence of AF and meanwhile has referred me to a cardiologist. She warned that this might take some time. So this long preamble ( for which I apologise) is to ask if anyone can recommend a cardiologist I can see privately. I live in the Harrow /Wembley of London. Any suggestions gratefully received.

[123mossie]

sorry I don’t know of any cardiologists in your area. you haven’t said if you get symptoms with your high or low pulse rates but a visit to a& e would be advisable if it goes up, and stays at 170. Any consultant cardiologist would be ok to sort an arrhythmia though.

[Ana-16 in reply to 123mossie]

many thanks for the advice.

[Mgt1234]

Hi Ana-16

I’m sorry I don’t know anyone in your area but thought my experience may be helpful.

My first episode of a racing heart started in 2019, it rose to about 190 from memory, but after an hour it was still not reducing. By that time I was feeling exhausted and unwell.

My husband concerned it may trigger a heart attack, rang for an ambulance. I was stabilised in A and E and stayed in over night whilst they did some tests, outcome diagnosed with supra ventricular tachycardia. I now take Flecainide twice a day and Bisoprolol. I also have what’s known as ‘a pill in the pocket’ which essentially is a double dose of Flecainide for when it ‘kicks off’ and after an hour doesn’t go back to normal. That up to now has done the trick. They did offer me an operation known as a cardiac ablation, which I refused as it was in the midst of Covid. I did say if the tablets ceased working I would reconsider.

I bought a six lead ECG device which I believe is really helpful during an attack, I also print off the history which is useful for my GP and Cardiologist for when I’ve had an episode. I hope you get yours settled quickly as I know it can be a stressful situation. Take care.

[Ana-16 in reply to Mgt1234]

many thanks for the reply

[Bcol]

Morning Ana, obviously I can't give any medical advice, but just been looking at my heart rates over the last few months. (Smart ?watch as well). Over the last few months mine vary between 33 and 177, these are peaks and troughs and don't give me any particular cause for concern. My average resting rate is 52. Looking at todays readings when out walking with the dogs it was 56-156bpm, (04:00-05:00) dozing 49-64bpm (05:00-0600) and at the moment 49-117bpm (07:00-0800). Maximum I've had is 45-175 earlier in the month. That seems to be a fairly standard set of figures for me. Don't know if that helps at all.

[Ana-16 in reply to Bcol]

oh yes that definitely helps.! I thought a rate below 50 was concerning as I’ve read that ‘normal’ for over 70s is between 70-100. When …. I get to see a cardiologist I’ll let you know. Meantime you’ve helped to calm me down. Much appreciated

[Mary63]

When similar things happened to me I had a look at HU atrial fibrillation section. Like on this site there are a few very knowledgable people who give very good advice.

I often get a fast pulse rate up to 220 but asymptomatic, only seen via my Apple Watch.

I have only once had AF, and on that occasion I had scary symptoms and went to A and E. AF reverted to sinus rhythm within a few hours. Bear in mind though some people with AF are asymptomatic. I was put on beta blockers and anticoagulants.

If your watch tells you you DO have AF sometimes, make sure you let a doctor know. You would need to be on anticoagulants.

[Ana-16 in reply to Mary63]

Many thanks for letting me know about your experience. I do wonder how accurate the watches are

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You might get more answers if you ask on either of these forums-

healthunlocked.com/bhf

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Ana-16 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you will definitely check. (Interesting inadvertent change of font. )!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ana-16]

You obviously tapped the “I” button below without realising..easily done 😊