Covid and AFib Connection?

Posted by cece55 @cece55, Oct 8, 2021

Hello Everyone,

I am curious and would like to ask this group a question. I have AFib but had not had an event for over a year except for last November. In early February of this year I took the Phizer Vaccine for Covid and had several Afib events with one lasting over a month even with cardioversion. I ended up having an ablation in May and the electrophysiologist found an enlarged and scarred atrium.

I have been doing well and am still on Flecainade, Metoporal and Eliquis. He is about to take the Flecainade away. It is time for my booster shot and I am scared that it will put me into Afib again. My Electrophysiologist and Cardiologist at Mayo said they don't feel that the vaccine had anything to do with my Afib events starting up again.

Has anyone here experienced this? I am debating whether or not to cancel my appointment next week or just take the shot. My doctors said it is better to take the booster than to get Covid.

Thoughts?

Thank You...Blessings to all of you during this trying time. CeCe55

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

@tct

WOW! I read your post and thought I was reading about myself. (See my story posted this morning). Did Moderna cause this to happen? Possibly, but I also feel that with a test population in the 100’s of millions, there are bound to be cases like ours and others that have told their stories.

Jump to this post

My son is an avid runner and monitors his heart rate closely. He said after each vaccine his heart rate went up for a period of days over the normal rate. The mRNA vaccines are known to cause myocarditis and pericarditis occasionally. I'm thinking that maybe it is not all that surprising that they may be a trigger for A-fib, especially for those already prone towards it. I haven't had any more bouts since November 24, the day I started taking Metoprolol. I'm weaned down to almost none at this point and no recurrences. I'm off caffeine and alcohol though, and plan to staff off those substances. In spite of it all, I will still take the next booster when it is available. I will feel better knowing I now have the tools (meds) to address A-fib if need be.

REPLY
@tct

Had the Moderna booster in late Oct, then the night after Thanksgiving dinner (and too much to drink), my Apple Watch notified me of possible AFIB. Same warning next two nights, so as a precaution, went to the ER. Hooked up to a monitor for 90 minutes — everything normal. Fast forward to January: after a couple more episodes, went to my GP and explained what had happened. Wore a heart monitor for 2 wks which confirmed what my watch had been telling me. So … after lots of “research” and counseling, today I took my first dose of Eliquis! Hoping for the best. I’m 71 and have not other risk factors.

Jump to this post

After having Covid, being vaccinated and boosted I started having PVC's. (I'm 74) After much testing Dr. said my Mitral Valve was triggering arrhythmia. I recently started wearing an Apple Watch. I also stopped caffeine, alcohol, and now exercise more. The watch has been great at monitoring episodes for me. Stops me from worrying so much. I was given a script for Metoprolol, to take as needed, but have not felt a need at this point. I think diet change has really helped. Loved hearing about the watch and hope you are doing well!

REPLY
@linda74

After having Covid, being vaccinated and boosted I started having PVC's. (I'm 74) After much testing Dr. said my Mitral Valve was triggering arrhythmia. I recently started wearing an Apple Watch. I also stopped caffeine, alcohol, and now exercise more. The watch has been great at monitoring episodes for me. Stops me from worrying so much. I was given a script for Metoprolol, to take as needed, but have not felt a need at this point. I think diet change has really helped. Loved hearing about the watch and hope you are doing well!

Jump to this post

Thank you Linda!
Yes, the Apple Watch is great; I am checking throughout the day to see how my heart rate is doing, or to confirm that I'm having an AFIB episode when I feel the palpitations. I too have cut out caffeine and alcohol, and have been exercising regularly for the past 15 years (I'm 71). I also have Rx for Metoprolol, but have not started taking it b/c I wanted to see what side effects I might have from the Eliquis before adding a second new medication. I did not know you could take Metoprolol "as needed'. I'll ask my Dr about that.

REPLY
@tct

Thank you Linda!
Yes, the Apple Watch is great; I am checking throughout the day to see how my heart rate is doing, or to confirm that I'm having an AFIB episode when I feel the palpitations. I too have cut out caffeine and alcohol, and have been exercising regularly for the past 15 years (I'm 71). I also have Rx for Metoprolol, but have not started taking it b/c I wanted to see what side effects I might have from the Eliquis before adding a second new medication. I did not know you could take Metoprolol "as needed'. I'll ask my Dr about that.

Jump to this post

It took some discussion with my Cardiologist, but because I have a naturally low heart rate to begin with, he agreed to try this route first. Other than random PVC's, no AFib signs- really appreciate this watch! We are also totally Whole Food Plant Based eaters, so I'm a big believer in healthy eating and exercise.

REPLY

I had a near faint experience after the booster moderna vaccine.three hours later....Also told nothingtodowithvaccine. I had another pause event as seenonalink implanted but no symptoms for that event..

REPLY

After my booster if the Pfizer vac I went into AFIB the next morning and have not been able to get back to normal rhythm and developed a blood clot I the LAA. Still trying to get the clot dissolved so I cN go on with my second ablation. I feel the booster started this all up again.

REPLY

I believe booster had something to do with it also. I did have a second event 3 months later but no symptom with it. What is 1 the LLA? Is a blot clot and a hematoma the same thing? I have a large bruise..dont recall hitting myself..think maybe from eliquis and what has been described as a hematoma..Thinking the more time on a blood thinner easier bruises come..I might have to have a 3rd ablation to see if pauses lessen or maybe a pacemaker but I would still have afib if it doesn't work..

REPLY
@linda74

It took some discussion with my Cardiologist, but because I have a naturally low heart rate to begin with, he agreed to try this route first. Other than random PVC's, no AFib signs- really appreciate this watch! We are also totally Whole Food Plant Based eaters, so I'm a big believer in healthy eating and exercise.

Jump to this post

What are PVC"S..I am thinking of getting an apple watch. How does that help?

REPLY

Think you should take booster. I had near faint episode..first time. think it had to do with booster..no way to prove it one way or another.

REPLY
@bettysamny

What are PVC"S..I am thinking of getting an apple watch. How does that help?

Jump to this post

PVC's stands for Premature Ventricular Contractions are extra heartbeats that start in on of the two lower pumping chambers. Mayo has good definition and explanation of it. It is a common type of irregular heartbeat. For me it doesn't happen often, and I have never felt the medication is necessary, at this point. I see my Cardiologist next month and will discuss again.
An Apple watch can monitor your heart rate, it can do an ECG, and will alert you to being in AFib. among other things. There are other watches that can do the same thing. The apple watch sends the data to your iphone. Hope this helps!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.