Fainting and possible AFib

Thank you.

Google is your friend. Ask for a cardiologist near you, who specialises in atrial fibrillation. Read their information, then Google patient reviews of the ones you like the sound ofb

bobbydog24

Did you have to go private through your GP. Ive no idea how I’d go about finding a private cardiologist.

I’ve just been in this situation. We have two private facilities near us - Spire and The Global Clinic (aka Healthshare) I rang and made an appt with a cardiologist. Had my echocardiogram yesterday. Spire doesn’t do echocardiogram so went to Global.
I just couldn’t wait 4/5months.

I went direct by googling a consultant cardiac electrophysiologist, purely by chance I got the doctor that I eventually saw via the NHS. I emailed his secretary asking for a consultation.

Did you have to go private through your GP. Ive no idea how I’d go about finding a private cardiologist.

Why don't you go on the British heart foundation site? There's a couple of forums I belong to and there's lot's of information. People sometimes post issues similar to you and get advice and support. Unfortunately the only way to speed things up is to go private. I did that to get an initial diagnosis it cost £250 approximately but I was in permanent atrial flutter so an ECG showed exactly what type of arrhythmia I had, it also showed left bundle branch block and grade 1 heart block which was not diagnosed when I had my first hospital admission via A&E. It was money well spent as I had the opportunity to talk through my concerns and options. His advice was invaluable and included staying on the NHS for treatment as treating arrhythmias can be expensive and frustrating.

It’s difficult for your vulnerability not to affect your life. I too live alone and this feeling is alien to me but nevertheless I can’t shake off the what ifs.

I was diagnosed with af 9 1/2 years ago. It may have been triggered by a significant chest infection. My GP detected it via pulse and it was confirmed by ecg at the surgery. I had a cardioversion 8 months later, which worked briefly. My consultant advised against a 2nd cardioversion because 50% are effective only short term. The cardiologist concluded meds to regulate the heart beat are the least worse current treatment

My AF is permanent, I get breathless on hills so take it slowly, I take meds to try and regulate the beat, along with blood thinners to minimise stroke risk,
I live alone . I walk every day . Try not to brood, worrying changes nothing

I live on my own with AF and coronary artery disease. I manage. It is important not to let these things dominate your life. Thinking about it all the time is no way to live. Please get the medical advice you need first, accept the treatments and then try and live your life.
Good luck.

A friend has had a pacemaker for years now. Said it changed his life. Hopefully you’ll get yours soon. It’s criminal the lengths people have to wait for these procedures.
I’ve never been concerned by my health before, as in not had health anxiety but the last 2 years have changed that. I suddenly feel vulnerable and frightened.

bobbydog24

Foxie48. Even once I have the 24hr heart monitor, it will be 10-12 weeks before notification of the results will be obtained. Nice Christmas for me then. I would have had the same wait for the BP cuff results but I had it done at the pharmacy which took 24 hours. Bit of difference.

I'm on the wait list for pace and ablate, which is basically when I have my own heart beat knocked out and a pacemaker is used to keep my heart beating tbh It's a big step but it will hopefully improve the quality of my life, wait list is 8 months so I do understand how you feel. They won't proceed with the procedure if I have anything wrong structurally with my heart so I had an echocardiogram last month (I had waited months for that) but I won't find out the results for weeks, my fingers are crossed!
I intend to enjoy Christmas because tbh I don't know how many more I have left, none of us do.

Foxie48. Even once I have the 24hr heart monitor, it will be 10-12 weeks before notification of the results will be obtained. Nice Christmas for me then. I would have had the same wait for the BP cuff results but I had it done at the pharmacy which took 24 hours. Bit of difference.

Janeainsworth. I know my anxiety is making things worse but it’s hard to relax when the possibility of fainting is hanging over me. My doctor knows this but doesn’t want to prescribe any more medication to hamper the heart monitor results.

It's really hard not to worry but unfortunately with possible AF it's much better to try not to, relaxation or anything that helps to take your mind off your worry would be my first port of call. I have atypical atrial flutter and have been admitted to hospital twice via A&E so they have got good ECG evidence but it can be tricky capturing an arrhythmia if it comes and goes. Good news is your BP is normal as are all the other tests, try to focus on that. My experience has been very positive and although the waiting lists for anything cardiac are too long everywhere, when I've needed treatment I've got it quickly. Lots of us as we get older develop arrhythmias and we still lead normal active lives, a positive attitude really helps. Good luck with your appointment.

bobbydog I was suggesting you see your doctor about your anxiety which is probably making your symptoms worse.

Farmor15. I know that some have AFib without any symptoms. Mine is more like palpitations but not fast. Just a missed beat and then a ‘bump’. Only way I can describe it. It’s on my mind constantly. 🥹

Janeainsworth. I did that and she managed to get it 4 days earlier, still beginning of December though.

Go back to your GP, tell him/her all your symptoms & how anxious you are. Request an urgent appointment.

giftshop.bhf.org.uk/alivecor-kardiamobile-ecg-monitor
Suggest you buy this device which works with phone. My Afib was detected this way as only intermitent so didn't happen when having "proper" ECG.
When having an episode or even after, I can feel slightly dizzy, though never fainted. I also have an odd anxious, anxious feeling. But I'm on anticoagulant so at least don't have too much worry about having a stroke.