New to this!

[AFap]

Hi. Just over a week ago I was admitted to hospital with an episode of AF that was treated with iv beta blockers to return my heart to a sinus rhythm. I had never experienced anything like this before or so I thought . It woke me up. I am a 56 year old female, relatively fit. I walk 2-3 miles each day. Don’t drink or smoke . I have a low normal heart rate, resting usually between 48-50 bpm . I was discharged with no medication as they had tried a low dose of bisporal? But it dropped my heart rate to below 40 bpm and I felt awful! I am awaiting a CT angiogram and have a review with an arrhythmia nurse in 3 months.

A day after being discharged I experienced sudden hearing loss in my left ear/ 9 days on still deaf . Currently on steroids and just completed a week of antivirals for it.

A day after the hearing loss I experienced another episode of AF not as severe as the one that put me in hospital but all I was doing was reading on the sofa! I spoke to my GP and he is trying to expedite the CT appointment.

I wear a Fitbit so can see how my heart performs when exercising and at rest and when asleep . On going back through the data for the last few months I have identified four more episodes of AF that I have not felt , one when asleep , a few when walking a regular route I do daily but when you compare the day before and day after you can see my heart had a definite moment as rate was at 175 when usually 115 and the pace for that walk with the blip was slower than the day before or after/ I use Strava to record my walking.

I have discussed the Fitbit findings with my GP and she has suggested contacting the arrhythmia clinic to get the appointment review bought forward . However I don’t quite know how to ask them ! Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

[jeanjeannie50]

You say that all you were doing was 'sitting reading'. We hear a lot of people say things like that on this forum. They were sat relaxing, at their computer or watching tv and suddenly their heart was beating incorrectly. I wonder whether at those times were they sat slouched or perhaps unwittingly doing very shallow breathing. These things would make the heart protest. Just an idea of mine.

Another thing to remember is that even normal people without any heart problems have the occasional extra or missed beat - that could be what your watch is recording at times.

Hope this helps.

Jean

[AFap in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi. It definitely wasn’t just a missed beat. It was 15 minutes of my heart beating at 110-120 bpm hence ringing doctor whilst happening. But I appreciate your thoughts.

[BobD Volunteer]

Has anticoagulation been discussed with you at all? AF makes us five time more at risk of stroke and whilst you may not seem to have any background risk factors the loss of hearing would concern me if the possibility of TIA has not been discussed or considered. May I suggest that you speak with your doctor about this as soon as possible.

[AFap in reply to BobD]

Hi.Yes I have queried this. And was actually sent through to see ENT on call doctor on the day of hearing loss and mentioned it to him as week. I was told it was not connected.

[wilsond]

About getting in touch,do you have your consultants name yet? If so,ring hospital and ask for Drs secretary number . Tell him/ her what your GPnhas said .

Or,ask GP to request urgent review !

Do you have the arrthymia clinics number? I can bring directly although sometimes a bit slow answering.

Good luck and try not to worry too much ,you'll soon be feeling more settled and some answers .

Xx

[Singwell]

I had hearing loss due to one of my more extreme AF episodes about a year ago. I felt my ear pop and block up. But it did resolve. I'd query that it's not related. I do wish medics would join up the dots more! Call the office where your arrythmia nurse is and tell them what's going on, ask if you can send an email. And tell them to expect a letter from your GP asking to expedite your appointment. Be proactive and don't feel you're being a pain. 🤞🤞 For you.

[Rubymurray25]

Just a thought, has Sleep Apnea ever been discussed, regardless of ones weight it can go undiagnosed and in my case caused my AF according to my consultant.