What are the best ways for managing atrial fibrillation?

Hello doctor,

I am a 46-year-old female. My blood pressure is low but within the normal range. I have never had any heart issues, except for experiencing palpitations during my pregnancy 10 years ago. At that time, I underwent a cardiac ultrasound, which was normal. Just over a week ago, I started feeling intermittent sensations throughout the day as if my heart were pounding irregularly. Each episode lasts only a minute or two before resolving.

I consulted my doctor, who detected some skipped beats through the stethoscope. The in-office EKG was normal (I did not feel my chest pounding at that time), as was the blood work (CBC, thyroid, and electrolytes). She decided to order a monitor for me, but the office can not get me in for a month.

I spoke with my father-in-law, who has had several heart problems, and he recommended the Kardia monitor, a direct-to-consumer, 1-lead ECG machine (AliveCor). I ordered one of these, and the first test I performed was evaluated by their cardiologists as showing 'possible atrial fibrillation.' Since then, I have conducted numerous home tests. During episodes when my heartbeat feels irregular, the algorithm has frequently indicated 'possible atrial fibrillation' or marked the results as indeterminate, meaning they fall outside the bounds of their analysis mechanism.

I am not experienced enough to interpret the strips myself and was hoping I could email you a selection of the concerning ones in PDF format for evaluation. The sensation in my chest is not painful, but it is disconcerting, and I am anxious to get to the bottom of it. Additionally, I am not sure if it is relevant, but shortly after these heartbeat issues began, I came down with a flu-like virus. The kids have just returned to school and started passing around illnesses; one of my sons is currently experiencing the same thing.

Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

Hello doctor,

Thanks so much for the response.

I have emailed my primary care doctor with your insights, and she called the cardiology department to expedite my appointment for a Holter monitor this week. I believe the initial appointment will be with a technician or possibly a nurse practitioner, but I will bring some of the readouts and inquire about an echo.

I am wondering if it is possible that being sick with this flu-like virus could have triggered the fast heart rate and the atrial fibrillation or arrhythmia. Could it potentially resolve once I am completely well? I am puzzled because I do not seem to have any of the risk factors typically associated with this condition, and it has come on so suddenly.

Thank you.

Hello doctor,

Thanks so much for the response.

Your advice has been invaluable. I feel well-armed with information for my appointment, and I will ask them about the echo and stress tests. I will also follow up with you afterward. In the meantime, I plan to rest and focus on recovering from this flu. Thank you again for your help. You have been a reassuring voice during this surprising and rather unpleasant experience, and I am so glad I reached out.

Thank you.