Is this A-Fib? - Heart Disorders Message Board

noshoes · 04-22-2006, 11:18 PM

Hey guys...I've been having a few episodes since I passed out two months ago (unknown cause). Sometimes I feel that I have palpitations. These are short and mild, usually occur if I lay down on my side. I usually just ignore these.

Now, sometimes I feel my heart racing; a pulsating feeling in my chest usually on my left pec muscle. When I check my pulse, its very weak but consistent and a normal speed. I actually went down to my nurse at school when this was happening and she listened my heart and said it wasn't racing. Sometimes these episodes are combined with shortness of breath, lightheadness, left side feeling numb, and feeling weak. I've been really stressed out lately so I don't know if the last 3 symptoms are real or if I bring them on by panicing about my weak pulse. These episodes last from 5-20 mins being the max. I've had a holter monitor and had similar episodes but it wasn't "the one." The results were normal and I only had two PVCs.

What are your thoughts?

Lenin · 04-23-2006, 06:38 AM

noshoes,

If you check your heart rate when it feels like its racing, and you find a normal rate then it's not atrial fibrillation. If you have a bout of A-fib there's no doubt that your heart rate is at 150 or 200 BPM or higher. Often your heart is going so fast that counting the rate is impossible. When you have an episode you KNOW it!

A "weak pulse" is also very subjective. The only real measurement of pulse "strength" is blood pressure measurement.

Machaon · 04-23-2006, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenin

noshoes,

If you check your heart rate when it feels like its racing, and you find a normal rate then it's not atrial fibrillation. If you have a bout of A-fib there's no doubt that your heart rate is at 150 or 200 BPM or higher. Often your heart is going so fast that counting the rate is impossible. When you have an episode you KNOW it!

There is a tremendous difference in heart rates for those with atrial fibrillation. In fact, the heart rate can be somewhat normal during atrial fibrillation. In most cases of A-fib, the rate of contraction of the atrium is much faster than the rate of contraction of the ventricle.

Tachycardia (fast beating of the heart) can be present with or without atrial fibrillation.

noshoes · 04-23-2006, 09:04 PM

Quick update...today I woke up and I could feel my chest pulsating again and it was hurting..just like a squeezing pain. When I look at my chest, it looks like its vibrating. When I hold it I can feel it vibrating. This has been with me all day, but I feel fine and pulse is normal. Could this still be A-Fib that is lasting all daY?

Kimah5202 · 04-23-2006, 11:42 PM

just a correction .....i was in the er with a fib at 110bpm. i was in it for 12 hours. i have had lots of svt and pvc's and i feel them ALL. but when i was in a fib it just felt like my heart was a little faster than usual. after 12 hours they wanted to cardiovert me with the paddles but i got so scared when they were about to do it i converted back on my own.(thank god)