Re: atrial fib?

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on October 18, 1998 at 12:21:43:

In Reply to: atrial fib? posted by Dan on October 16, 1998 at 12:49:28:






I'm a 22 yr old male experiencing skipped heart beats.  I have been trying to eliminate alcohol, stress, and don't smoke as much as possible.  The skipping or extra heartbeats are bothersome, but thats not my question.  Sometimes the problem will last for about 5 seconds.  The fluttering is very strong in a single series which last for about 4 or 5seconds and makes me feel totally fatigued!  I'm not asking for you to determine my condition through the limited info, but is this what atrial fib feels like or some other cardiac condition?  I know atrial fib can lead to strokes, and death isn't out of the question. Any info is well apprecitated to steer me in the right direction! Thanks Dan
Dear Dan:
What you describe could be paroxysmal afib, or bursts of afib. The only way to know would be to wear a Holter monitor (portable EKG) for a period of time. Make an appointment with your doctor to be properly evaluated. Do not assume that you are just having skipped beats.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.