When do I go to the E.R. with Afibs?

[bundleblocker]

I have intermittent Afibs and PACS.  Hadn't had any for over a month until last night. They began at 10 p.m. and were still going at 6 a.m.  Oddly enough I converted into normal rhythm after a bowl movement!  Strange!

Anyway my question is, how long should I tolerate the Afibs before going to the E.R.?  What do you guys do? I am reluctant to leave my 4 dogs so unless I'm in pain or feel like passing out I don't go (and that has not happened so far)

My neighbor also has Afibs and goes to the E.R if they last longer than 4 hours.

What would you do?

P.S.  I took my metoprolol (as scheduled) and also a 325mg Ascriptin.  I could not sleep much as I had to urinate every half hour. Is this normal?  

Thanks for any advice/suggestions!

Greta

[seaweib]

Other's your age definitely have this.  I'm 33 but started initially having PVCs/ PACs about 8 years ago.  Anyhow, based on your post, I would suspect you're having PVCs and PACs and not actually going in and out of afib.  Afib is something that feels extremely abnormal as your heart is not in a normal consistent rhythm.  I had afib once after several nights of heavy drinking and thought it was a heart attack.  At your age, you're most likely fine and just having palpitations which are benign; however, even with palpitations, it's best to go to the doctor just to make sure it's not anything major.  It's a tough call due to not having insurance but if there's anyway you can afford it, it would be best to get checked out.  Even if you can't afford it, you should probably go to the ER if you think it's actually afib.

[DeltaDawn23]

I've been told not to wait more than 36 hours, as blood clotting can be an issue after 48 hours and that would give them time to get it under control.  I am now on Coumadin, so not too worried about blood clots, but I get a rapid ventricular response which makes my hr go up to 180 or so, and that will tire you out in a short time.  If I have a next time, I am going to go straight to be electroconverted on an outpatient basis and bypass being admitted to the hospital.  My doctor said if I was dizzy, had chest pain or sweating to go to the ER, otherwise I could wait till morning and come into the office.  You need a doctor's advice, as Afib is different for each person.  Good luck . . . keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[dlsridge]

I've got a ? I'm 26 I've been simptems of Afibs for 3 years I was rushed to the er a week ago the doctor recommended the I get a heart monitor. I don't have any health insurance I'm self employed is it worth it?? I'm under tons of stress all the time being the owner. I get tightness in my chest about twice a week and daily I feel my heart beet weird ever few hours and a weird feeling on the right side middle like tingly . I'm not shure what I should do? Are there any other people my age out there with this?

[twinbee]

When I had my a-fib or a-flutter attacks, my EP had me go to the hospital if the attacks lasted more than 4 hours. I had a very rapid a-fib & flutter where my heart rate would go well over 200, therefore she didn't want me waiting too long. However, if my attacks were accompanied by chest pain, or passing out, I was to go to the ER at once. If I were you, I would talk to you doctor. Ask him or her when should you go to the ER. Everybody's a-fib is different. Good Luck! Wishing you well, and wishing you enough...

[ransell]

My doctor once told me thart after 12 hours there is an increased likehood of blood clots and therefore strokes etc..

[Jerry_NJ]

I never go to ER for AFib, which I have all the time....I do understand the symptoms range greatly, and therein lies the answer to your question.

What is AFib doing to you:  making you HR too high?  If yes and over 130 I think I'd consider going to ER.  Metoprolol (200 mg a day) keeps my HR below 100 when at rest/sleeping (I guess, who knows, I never wake up with a high HR that I am aware of).
Passing out or extreme dizziness or headaches, or other signs of extremely low heart efficiency (congestive problems, not failure).

You mention PVC, this I don't have unless I count the extra VC due to a sneaky AFib that gets through the Metoprolol "curtain".