Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Cardiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
The night before yesterday, I had a sudden onset of tachycardia which I could feel in my upper chest and head. I have an oximeter, so I used it to monitor my heart rate, which ranged between 113 to 140 bpm. I put my smartwatch on, and it indicated A-fib. I have never experienced this before. Resting did not help, but it subsided about six hours later. There was no shortness of breath, but my chest was sore from the galloping pulse. Once my rhythm regulated again, I have been fine since. No issues today. The episode was accompanied by frequent urination, about three to four times, and it felt a gallon each. Is it true that one should go in if it lasts more than 24 to 48 hours? Should I follow up if it happens again? What should I do from here?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern. One of these ECG (electrocardiogram) strips show atrial fibrillation, other one is normal. The issue is that ECGs recorded by wearables are subject to artifacts due to improper attachment with the body and movement of the body. Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm. To detect this, go for a 12 leads ECG, especially when you feel palpitations. Did you ever have such palpitations before? Sometimes atrial fibrillation is paroxysmal. Therefore, Holter monitoring is done to detect it, which continuously records ECG for 24 hours to 7 days. Atrial fibrillation alone is not of concern, but it is of concern if risk factors are present. Those risk factors can be diabetes, hypertension, previous stroke, and previous heart attack. Excessive urination can be associated with atrial fibrillation but also be due to anxiety, so it is a nonspecific sign. Hope this helps. Thank you and take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply. It was my first episode, and none of those risk factors apply to me. My BP is normal, and no previous stroke, heart attack, or diabetes. But, yes, I had three A-fib readings, and then I showed you the normal ones afterward. So this lone episode may be an anomaly, and if it happens again, should I get an EKG? I can let it be for this time. Is it possible that it was related to anxiety? I was not an anxious person till these last couple of years.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern. Yes, you should get an ECG (electrocardiogram) anytime to see your baseline heart rhythm and, especially when you have persistent palpitations, to see the rhythm abnormality. The good thing is that you do not have other risk factors. However, you are obese as your weight is very high. Therefore, try to eat a healthy diet, avoid junk foods, do regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, avoid stress and anxiety, sleep well, and do relaxation exercises such as yoga and deep breathing exercises. Anxiety may increase heart rate but does not change the rhythm, and rhythm remains sinus. Hope this helps. Thanks and take care.
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Cardiology
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