Atrial flutter

[easterbird]

Is anyone familiar with this? Do you have it? Are you riding alone and with groups?
I will see a cardiologist tomorrow so will know more then, I hope. My sudden rapid heart rate is evidently atrial flutter. Information or experience sharing appreciated.

[Crankin]

I've had it when under stress, too much caffeine, not enough sleep. When those conditions are combined with exercise, it gets worse.
I have not experienced this in a long time. When I first had it, I had an echo cardiogram, which showed no valve issues. I've had 2 follow ups in the course of the last 25 years.
Keep us posted after your appointment.

[Kalidurga]

I'll be interested in hearing your results, as well. I'm currently scheduled for a few tests to figure out what's causing an occasional arrhythmia that began last summer. The cardiologist doesn't think it's anything to be concerned about, but he's having me do an echo cardiogram, wear a 24-hour monitor, and take a stress test just in case.

Good luck tomorrow.

[emily_in_nc]

I read just this week in a book on menopause that an occasional bout of arrhythmia can be one of the peri-menopausal side effects... not sure of your ages, but it's a possibility.

Check out this link: http://www.epigee.org/menopause/palpitations.html

[Kalidurga]

Well, that's certainly something to mention to the cardiologist. Thanks for the link, Emily.

[salsabike]

I have gotten this off and on since a scary seminar presentation in college (LONG time ago). The research says, and my experience lately confirms, that fish oil helps prevent this.

[Kalidurga]

I've been on fish oil since before mine started. Hmmm...

[Shaula]

I think that's what I have. I'll be just doing normal things and all of a sudden, it feels like something running up my chest. I had an EKG as well and everything was fine. I read the same thing about menopause - that that could be a symptom.

[Kalidurga]

easterbird, any word about your cardiology appointment?

[easterbird]

Sorry I took so long to get back here with a reply. My doc says it's not that unususual ....as a cardiologist he sees it often. My test results indicate that the heart is strong,no murmurs etc. However, there is an aberrant electrical impluse at times. When does it occur and for how long are the important issues for him. He stated that I could go on a betablocker(no way) or have a procedure called an ablation performed by an electrician (speciality of a cardio who works on just electiral issues). The specialist can locate the place where the faulty impulse starts and zzzap it. >90% cure rate. Spoke to a person in my bike club who had it done 5 years ago(at ~30 or so) and she is fine.
For now, I am simply logging what I eat and drink(I need to diet anyway) and then attempting to correlate to an event(a-flutter). I am to note how long the event lasts and see him in a year if nothing changes for me. Since my appt I've had one event as we were racing our youngest pomeranian-she's 6- to an emergency vet last Sat. She's fine and so am I. I'll report any news from my side. Oh BTW, I am 61.25 and 4-5 years post menupause.