My heart keeps racing but I'm getting no help.
Afib (atrial fibrillation) can occur after a heart attack especially if there is an enlargement or irritability of the atria (top chambers of the heart). Shortness of breath, chest pressure and the choking feeling (racing heart symptoms) may be due to the racing of the irregular heartbeat. There is currently a little bit of controversy as to how to best treat afib. Some experts believe it is best to try and convert the irregular heart rhythm back into a regular rhythm with medications, cardioversion or catheter ablation. Several recent studies though have suggested that is okay to have the irregular heart rhythm as long as the heart rate is controlled. You need to discuss your options with you cardiac electrophysiologist, this is the physician who specializes in heart rhythm disorders. If you are already seeing an electrophysiologist you may wish to get a second opinion as to the best treatment option for you. Do not get discouraged many patients have similar recurrent episodes when they initially develop afib – be persistent, ask questions and determine with your physician the best treatment option for you.
Also, check with the cardiologist to see if the aspirin is thinning your blood enough. A fib puts you in a high risk category for a stroke. You may need to have serious blood thinners to alleviate that risk.
not a nurse or doctor, but... have pacemaker, diabetes etc. Tachycardia was the reason for the pacemaker, did slow it down, but I had periods of erratic overly-forceful beats over 3 years, and got no help from doctors. Finally tried magnesium and it was magic. It stopped my visual migraines as well. Recently I found that taking Metformin at the end of meals caused some 'thumps', and changing that timing was all it took.
