Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

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.

@riverpark

Afib for me is absolutely unmistakable with racing pulse and a wild, terrifying irregularity I have heard described as “kittens playing roughly in your chest.” Hard for me to imagine having an AFib event without immediately knowing it, and it would definitely awaken me if it occurred while sleeping.

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Terrifying. I wonder why I hardly ever notice it (I then use the Apple Watch. Afib
detector to check if I'm awake.)

Perhaps it's because mine isn't very tachycardic (only low 100s - 100-135)
And yet I know I have fairly frequent episodes - several times a week, perhaps more. I'll be interested to get the results of my last week-long cardiac "event monitor")

Thanks for answering.

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@windyshores

Mine feels like large fish flopping around 🙂

I think a second opinion is a good idea. Some people on another forum (I will send you a private message) say that beta blockers are not a good choice. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker.

I tried a beta blocker for heart palpitations before menopause, years ago, and could not tolerate. I have low blood pressure and could not feel my arms! Also woozy.

Sent you a private message @riverpark!

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What do you mean by woozy I take metoprolol and I don't know what that is giving me headaches after 8 years and getting me real light-headed and stuff

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@gator123

What do you mean by woozy I take metoprolol and I don't know what that is giving me headaches after 8 years and getting me real light-headed and stuff

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Woozy means light headed basically. Do you check your blood pressure? Mine is low to begin with and beta blockers sent it too low.

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Dr says it is not from beta blocker.sliws beats.nor so sure

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@bettysamny

Dr says it is not from beta blocker.sliws beats.nor so sure

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Check your blood pressure! My doc said that side effect was definitely from the med and I didn't have it when I stopped. Be careful: these meds need to be tapered though.

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Had AFIB for a number of years; recently it has mostly turned into a "flutter."
Apparently the risk factor is about the same.
Likely my medication has played a role in its development (prednisone).

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@windyshores

Woozy means light headed basically. Do you check your blood pressure? Mine is low to begin with and beta blockers sent it too low.

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Yes 120/68 --- 130/ 72 in that general area once in a while 135 / 70 at doctors .. White coat syndrome

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@gator123

Yes 120/68 --- 130/ 72 in that general area once in a while 135 / 70 at doctors .. White coat syndrome

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I meant at home without the white coats around! Low bp from beta blockers can cause light headedness.

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Very baffling. A implanted loop recorder in 2013-2016 detected asymptomatic Afib and nighttime bradycardia. No blood thinners prescribed, nor change in medications. Just every 6-month check in with cardiologist.
I do seem to fall rather more than I would like leading to broken bones - but otherwise lead an active life.

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@bettysamny

Dr says it is not from beta blocker.sliws beats.nor so sure

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You can check it yourself with a blood pressure cuff. Or ask a pharmacist. I don't think your doctor necessarily is the only one to ask. You might be able to take a calcium channel blocker instead btw.

Or look at the side effect list. Here is one on the list:
"dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position" as well as "hypotension."

Hypotension (low blood pressure) can also cause headaches because oxygen to the brain may be affected.

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