Asthma and arrythmias

[Sculpey5]

Have had occasional skipped beats, & etc. since my 20's - they got worse this year. I went to Cardiol. had a stress, echo, monitor. But tests all said I was ok.  Was diagnosed with arrythmias and atrial fib. Gave me metaprolol which doesn't really work.  My question- the palpitations get really bad when it's cold outside as does my asthma, and also during allergy season.  But the Dr. says there is no correlation.  But my pattern is very clear.  Should I maybe go to someone who specializes in breathing?  In the summer the palpitations aren't half as bad as in the winter.  I tried taking Singulair with the metaprolol and my heart rate dropped really low.  under 40.  My second question is can you give me a brief explanation of atrial fib?  I get mixed messages as to whethor it's dangerous or not.  My grandmother started having palpitations in her 30's and she lived to be 92 so I guess that makes me feel better. Thank you for answering my question. I'm 50 yrs old. female. Don't smoke, don't drink, exercise 5 nights a week including 1/2 hour treadmill.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Sculpey,

There is no correlation that I know off for fixed seasonal variation in palpitations.  Anything that I could offer would be pure speculation and I would like to avoid that.


1. Should I maybe go to someone who specializes in breathing?

The probably won't help with your palpitations.

2. My second question is can you give me a brief explanation of atrial fib?

There is no short answer for a fib, but I will try. Atrial fibrillation is an irregularly irregular rhtyhm stemming from from your atria or your pulmonary veins.  Over the long term it increases your risk of strokes.  If you are less than 50 years old and have no other co morbidities, it is recommended that you take an aspirin every day.  If you are over 60, it is adviceable to be on coumadin if you don't have contraindications.

If the atrial fibrillation is very symptomatic and cannot be controlled by medications, atrial fibrillation ablation is an option.

I hope this helps.

[momof6]

Hi,
I have a friend that has had two episodes of afib. One was during a pregnancy,she didnt realize what it was actually went
to bed with it and when she woke up she was still in it she sat up and then thud it stopped. The second episode she knew a little more and went to the ER . They told her it is not life
threatening but if it last to long could cause a clot. So they
told her to take a baby asprin or they would put her on one of
the milder blood thinners but at her age {40} the baby asprin
would be alright.Both her episodes lasted over 5 hours with irreglar beats and hr 260.I tell her all the time I dont see
how you went to bed with it!She has chosen no daily meds. just
a trip to ER to stop them.The second episode she was not pg.
I wish I could blow them off more like her.
Have a Great Day!!

[uptowngirl]

Hi.  I'm not an MD, however, I do experience alot more cardiac symptoms like you do in cold weather, so I know exactly what you are saying.
I'm glad you asked your question, because I always wondered that myself.  I never got a real straight answer from my Dr. on it, but the N.P. commented to me that "You'd never want relocate anywhere where they have long winters hon, with your heart situation."  

Take Care and thanks for asking the question.

Uptowngirl

[holabrad]

I'm not an M.D., but I think many asthma meds affect heart rate.  I'm not sure if they can increase arrythmias, but it might be worth looking into.