1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 14, 2018

Welcome to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
Did you know that the average heart beats 100,000 times a day? Millions of people live with heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) which occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats don't work properly. Let's connect with each other; we can share stories and learn about coping with the challenges, and living well with abnormal heart rhythms. I invite you to follow the group. Simply click the +FOLLOW icon on the group landing page.

I'm Kanaaz (@kanaazpereira), and I'm the moderator of this group. When you post to this group, chances are you'll also be greeted by volunteer patient Mentors and fellow members. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

lynnw | @lynnw | Jan 24, 2019

Hi I am Lynn. I have had PACs for years. I have been tested thoroughly to make sure they are good beats, just spaced oddly. I also have 2 thoracic aortic aneurysms so they watch me closely. The rhythm is what actually led to finding the aneurysms. I tell doctors that my heart beats to its own drummer . I think no matter how often they tell me they are benign it will bother me. I can always hear them. Mine are most often in the evening or morning and seem to be connected to burping. 1 burp and I am in a funky beat for hours. The doctors do not believe they are related but it always happens the same way. Does anyone else have this experience. They will hopefully (ablation) fix the rhythm when they fix the aneurysms. Falling asleep listening to your own personal hip hop beat is just not fun...

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AFRobin | @afrobin | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @cece55 "Hi....I am not new to Mayo Connect as I have been posting on Sleep Apnea for..." + (show)
@cece55

Hi....I am not new to Mayo Connect as I have been posting on Sleep Apnea for the past several weeks but I do have a question concerning AFib which the doctors have told me goes hand in hand with my Sleep Apnea.

I was diagnosed with AFib two months ago after my first episode lasting 7 hours. I converted on my own and was put on Metoporal and a low dose aspirin as I am only 1 on Chad. This past week I had my second episode lasting 18 hours. The cardiologist doubled my Metoporal dosage and put me on Eliquis. I self converted on my own again. The problem I am having is that I am living in fear of the next time. I know an ablation will be in my future because I am very drug sensitive and do not believe I can handle the heart rhythm drugs. I don't like the feeling of living in fear or wondering when the next episode will be. It's making me very anxious. My cardiologist said to "live my life" and relax. The Eliquis will protect me from stroke and an ablation is not something to be afraid of . Are there any words of advice as to how I can stop dwelling on "next time" and just relax?

CeCe55

Jump to this post

Hello Cece! Sorry to hear about your episodes of AFib. Some years ago I suffered from constant AFib. The cardiologist had never seen a case as bad as mine apparently. I didn't have 3 steady beats in a row. I couldn't get enough air and I felt dizzy. I was put on a beta blocker. Unfortunately, the highest dose was required which the cardiologist said could stop my heart! He told me to try to get it down even just to 3 1/2 pills a day instead of 4. My heart would go haywire with any reduction in the dose. I had to remain at the high dose and the side effects made me feel 90 years old...at age 46! This went on for almost 2 years. I felt like an invalid and let my husband do any physical work. It was depressing!

I did some research and I learned a lot about arrhythmias. I learned to take responsibility for my condition and have some power over it myself instead of relying on medication alone. I never drank coffee, tea, alcohol or ate chocolate and I kept carbs to a minimum; all things that got my heart racing and going arrhythmic. I tried to keep stress to a minimum. Dental anaesthetics were a non stimulating kind. No cold meds for me. I was highly motivated to get off the beta blockers and followed the regimen religiously.

Doing my research I learned that exercise helps so I decided to join a gym and I went on the treadmill for 35 minutes 6 mornings a week for 4 months then tapered off a bit. Of course, on beta blockers my heart rate stayed at 80 bpm. After a week I reduced the beta blocker dose a bit. (One has to do it very gradually.) My heart rate stayed stable! At the end of a month, I was completely OFF the beta blockers.
I went to see the cardiologist and he said that my case was so extreme that the AFib would come back. Well, it is 24 years later and I have had blips when I had some coffee or chocolate which reminds me to stay away from those stimulants...and last year I had 1 day of unstable heart beats when I was under a lot of stress. Otherwise, my heart is stable.

I feel in control of my condition. And I hope that you can also gain similar control by taking charge of your Afib. Good luck!

REPLY
2 replies
scardycat | @scardycat | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @afrobin "Hello Cece! Sorry to hear about your episodes of AFib. Some years ago I suffered from..." + (show)
@afrobin

Hello Cece! Sorry to hear about your episodes of AFib. Some years ago I suffered from constant AFib. The cardiologist had never seen a case as bad as mine apparently. I didn't have 3 steady beats in a row. I couldn't get enough air and I felt dizzy. I was put on a beta blocker. Unfortunately, the highest dose was required which the cardiologist said could stop my heart! He told me to try to get it down even just to 3 1/2 pills a day instead of 4. My heart would go haywire with any reduction in the dose. I had to remain at the high dose and the side effects made me feel 90 years old...at age 46! This went on for almost 2 years. I felt like an invalid and let my husband do any physical work. It was depressing!

I did some research and I learned a lot about arrhythmias. I learned to take responsibility for my condition and have some power over it myself instead of relying on medication alone. I never drank coffee, tea, alcohol or ate chocolate and I kept carbs to a minimum; all things that got my heart racing and going arrhythmic. I tried to keep stress to a minimum. Dental anaesthetics were a non stimulating kind. No cold meds for me. I was highly motivated to get off the beta blockers and followed the regimen religiously.

Doing my research I learned that exercise helps so I decided to join a gym and I went on the treadmill for 35 minutes 6 mornings a week for 4 months then tapered off a bit. Of course, on beta blockers my heart rate stayed at 80 bpm. After a week I reduced the beta blocker dose a bit. (One has to do it very gradually.) My heart rate stayed stable! At the end of a month, I was completely OFF the beta blockers.
I went to see the cardiologist and he said that my case was so extreme that the AFib would come back. Well, it is 24 years later and I have had blips when I had some coffee or chocolate which reminds me to stay away from those stimulants...and last year I had 1 day of unstable heart beats when I was under a lot of stress. Otherwise, my heart is stable.

I feel in control of my condition. And I hope that you can also gain similar control by taking charge of your Afib. Good luck!

Jump to this post

Great story! Congrats to you, how awesome🙏🏻

REPLY
healthytoday | @healthytoday | Jan 24, 2019

After 2.3 years on dofitilide, I was taken off of it since it is no longer working re afib. Cardiologist and I discussed the problem, and he put me on a small dose of metoporol. Just started it this morning. Feel alittle odd, but okay. Been working on taxes and my cognitive function is good, not sleepy, seems to be processing well. Thank God. He said the drugs to control afib are no longer working for me, and now the strategy is rate control. HR was about 100 resting, alittle too high. He's a young local doctor and doesn't mind that I take a handful of vitamins twice a day. My other functions are healthy. PRAY FOR SUCCESS!!

REPLY
1 reply
healthytoday | @healthytoday | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @cece55 "Hi....I am not new to Mayo Connect as I have been posting on Sleep Apnea for..." + (show)
@cece55

Hi....I am not new to Mayo Connect as I have been posting on Sleep Apnea for the past several weeks but I do have a question concerning AFib which the doctors have told me goes hand in hand with my Sleep Apnea.

I was diagnosed with AFib two months ago after my first episode lasting 7 hours. I converted on my own and was put on Metoporal and a low dose aspirin as I am only 1 on Chad. This past week I had my second episode lasting 18 hours. The cardiologist doubled my Metoporal dosage and put me on Eliquis. I self converted on my own again. The problem I am having is that I am living in fear of the next time. I know an ablation will be in my future because I am very drug sensitive and do not believe I can handle the heart rhythm drugs. I don't like the feeling of living in fear or wondering when the next episode will be. It's making me very anxious. My cardiologist said to "live my life" and relax. The Eliquis will protect me from stroke and an ablation is not something to be afraid of . Are there any words of advice as to how I can stop dwelling on "next time" and just relax?

CeCe55

Jump to this post

I appreciate your fear. This can be addressed with talk therapy, tapping, massage therapy, and whatever else you have in your health basket. Prayer helps lot's.

REPLY
eileena | @eileena | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @healthytoday "After 2.3 years on dofitilide, I was taken off of it since it is no longer..." + (show)
@healthytoday

After 2.3 years on dofitilide, I was taken off of it since it is no longer working re afib. Cardiologist and I discussed the problem, and he put me on a small dose of metoporol. Just started it this morning. Feel alittle odd, but okay. Been working on taxes and my cognitive function is good, not sleepy, seems to be processing well. Thank God. He said the drugs to control afib are no longer working for me, and now the strategy is rate control. HR was about 100 resting, alittle too high. He's a young local doctor and doesn't mind that I take a handful of vitamins twice a day. My other functions are healthy. PRAY FOR SUCCESS!!

Jump to this post

healtytoday, My cardiologist is young as well. When I approached him about supplements his response was , In your case, it is a good idea. He also asked me why I'd want to donate blood and my response was, It is the only natural blood thinner, helps my body make new blood and someone out there could use some help. His response was, I have no problem with you giving blood.

These younger cardiologists are into nutrition, supplements and exercise. BTW, when I first went to him he reminded me of Dougie Houser form th eTV and the others on staff called him Dr. Jimmy. I cracked dup. HJe's now needing to get th next size white coat cuz he's built himself a bit of muscles over th almost 4 years I've been seeing him.

REPLY
1 reply
scardycat | @scardycat | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @eileena "healtytoday, My cardiologist is young as well. When I approached him about supplements his response was..." + (show)
@eileena

healtytoday, My cardiologist is young as well. When I approached him about supplements his response was , In your case, it is a good idea. He also asked me why I'd want to donate blood and my response was, It is the only natural blood thinner, helps my body make new blood and someone out there could use some help. His response was, I have no problem with you giving blood.

These younger cardiologists are into nutrition, supplements and exercise. BTW, when I first went to him he reminded me of Dougie Houser form th eTV and the others on staff called him Dr. Jimmy. I cracked dup. HJe's now needing to get th next size white coat cuz he's built himself a bit of muscles over th almost 4 years I've been seeing him.

Jump to this post

What supplements do you take?

REPLY
2 replies
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @dothag "Hi, my name is Dot and I have afib. I had a cardio version which helped..." + (show)
@dothag

Hi, my name is Dot and I have afib. I had a cardio version which helped for about six months. Recently I changed cardiologist and my new doctor has me doing a life style change. He wants me to lose 10 lbs. lost 6 pounds so far. My prior doctor was talking ablation, watchman or another cardio version. He put me on heart rhythm drugs which made me feel very weak, like my body was jelly. Hoping this life style change helps. Hate the fatigue and weak feelings.

Jump to this post

Hi Dot @dothag,

Making lifestyle changes can be hard, I know but following your doctor’s recommendations about diet, sleep, exercise can actually slow heart disease’s progression and improve your everyday life. In fact, there are many studies that show that people with mild to moderate heart failure often lead nearly normal lives as a result of making healthier lifestyle choices. And, if you could see me, I’m applauding the fact that you lost weight! That’s great to hear! Are there any suggestions or tips you’d like to share?

I’m tagging @rod1105 @gr82balive @marlynkay @kitzkatz @ybrik @1943, who’ve written about cardio version; I hope they will join in and share their thoughts and insights.

@dothag, could you share a bit more about the heart rhythm drugs you’ve been prescribed?

REPLY
thankful | @thankful | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @afrobin "Hello Cece! Sorry to hear about your episodes of AFib. Some years ago I suffered from..." + (show)
@afrobin

Hello Cece! Sorry to hear about your episodes of AFib. Some years ago I suffered from constant AFib. The cardiologist had never seen a case as bad as mine apparently. I didn't have 3 steady beats in a row. I couldn't get enough air and I felt dizzy. I was put on a beta blocker. Unfortunately, the highest dose was required which the cardiologist said could stop my heart! He told me to try to get it down even just to 3 1/2 pills a day instead of 4. My heart would go haywire with any reduction in the dose. I had to remain at the high dose and the side effects made me feel 90 years old...at age 46! This went on for almost 2 years. I felt like an invalid and let my husband do any physical work. It was depressing!

I did some research and I learned a lot about arrhythmias. I learned to take responsibility for my condition and have some power over it myself instead of relying on medication alone. I never drank coffee, tea, alcohol or ate chocolate and I kept carbs to a minimum; all things that got my heart racing and going arrhythmic. I tried to keep stress to a minimum. Dental anaesthetics were a non stimulating kind. No cold meds for me. I was highly motivated to get off the beta blockers and followed the regimen religiously.

Doing my research I learned that exercise helps so I decided to join a gym and I went on the treadmill for 35 minutes 6 mornings a week for 4 months then tapered off a bit. Of course, on beta blockers my heart rate stayed at 80 bpm. After a week I reduced the beta blocker dose a bit. (One has to do it very gradually.) My heart rate stayed stable! At the end of a month, I was completely OFF the beta blockers.
I went to see the cardiologist and he said that my case was so extreme that the AFib would come back. Well, it is 24 years later and I have had blips when I had some coffee or chocolate which reminds me to stay away from those stimulants...and last year I had 1 day of unstable heart beats when I was under a lot of stress. Otherwise, my heart is stable.

I feel in control of my condition. And I hope that you can also gain similar control by taking charge of your Afib. Good luck!

Jump to this post

@afrobin- Wonderful story! Love to hear when people take responsibility for their health & well being! It takes sacrifice and a clear determination and this is clear in what your story depicts! So happy for you and hope that others in our Connect family are encouraged by your story! I know I am! Jim @thankful

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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Jan 24, 2019
In reply to @scardycat "What supplements do you take?" + (show)
@scardycat

What supplements do you take?

Jump to this post

At breakfast, I take for my mood omega3 and Bvitamins. For general well being and heart, I take Vit c and magnesium and potassium. Lunch, another vit c, d or e, coenzyme10 (for heart),

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