AF episode - when to go to emergency room and when to sit it out at home?

Hi. I know this have been a long time since you posted this. I have  ventricle  tachycardia . I do have damage to my heart. Like most the biggest fear was not waking up or guessing , is it  anxiety or my heart should I go to emergency or should I not . Well the answer for me was Kardia by AliveCor. It’s a 2” ekg machine that reads your ekg anytime. It’s compatible with many  phones and iPads and computers . And it’s only 99$

For me it’s peace of mind. A Cardiologist recommended it to me after I told him I was constantly at the emergency and my husband was getting disgusted because I was driving everyone crazy thinking I was having a heart attack . I do not work or have any thing to do with the company. I can’t tell everyone out there with heart issues how this little device has changed my life for the better. 

Great question, Laura! I was diagnosed with new onset aFib in January and had an electro cardioversion which was successful. On Friday I went out of rhythm for the second time and called the EP who advised as long as on Pradaxa and BP is stable, no cause for concern.

So last night my BP spiked at 142/105 which resulted in a sleepless night as I planned on going to the ER this morning if not improved. Fortunately, this morning my BP had lowered to 101/84 but I again called my EP who said 140 is borderline and no need to do anything provided it stays under 160-170. When I told him I was thinking of an ER visit, he said if I wanted to “waste my time” with spending 6 hours in ER, feel free but not necessary.

Bottom line, I have been spending too much time monitoring BP and HR which causes more stress and anxiety and makes things worse. I am learning too much concern and worry can be a vicious cycle. As someone else has stated “aFib begets aFib”.

Since my EP was not overly concerned with my current status, I have resolved to reduce time spent monitoring BP and HR and relax a bit and forget about trips to the ER and hope the aFib converts on its own as it did last time.

Dont worry, be happy is good advice for us a-fibbers!

Regards,

Patrick

I recently spoke with a cardiac nurse about my episode and asked her whether I should call 911 (or in general catch a ride to the hospital) if it happens again. She said that if I was feeling faint, then go.  If not, then it's probably safe to stay home.  

I still plan to ask the cardiologist when I see him next week, just to be sure.

I have had same as you. Specialist took me off one med and heart getting worse. I see my specialiat in 3weeks and will be asking lots of questions. I was taken to hospital on Sat and by time we got there heart back to my normal. Wasn't goingt wait in waiting room as no bed in ER. Went home to Sons place for the night. Sunday felt great.

Ive had 3 episodes but when I get is a fear or panic when it first comes on . How do you hamdle it when it first happens ?

My cardiologist tells me to go in at 48 hour mark. I almost always convert to normal rythm within 24.

How good or bad is your health insurance. sadly, that is a consideration these days.