Difference between Afib and PVCs

[Uboat]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum but I've been reading it for the past year and gives me a sense of stength knowing I'm not alone. I've been experiencing PVCs, PACs for the past 5 years. I'm a 51 y.o. male with a structurally normal heart, but some major rhythm issues. The last time I was in my cardiologists office I was having a run of palpitations that I thought were PVCs but turned out to be Afib. I converted to normal sinus rhythm a few minutes later. They ran another EKG and all was normal except for a couplet or two. Echo showed a normal structure with strong function, and treadmill showed better results than 3 years ago. I can go days and sometimes a couple of weeks with no palps, but lately I have runs several times a day that last from a few seconds up to about 2-3 hours. How can I tell the difference between a run of PVCs and Afib? The sensation is the same to me. How long can I be in an episode of Afib before the danger of clots occur? I'm on Toprol, Digoxin and daily Aspirin. My cardiologist assures me that this isn't going to kill me, but my quality of life is compromised as all of you can relate.

[Uboat]

Thanks for your response. My cardiologist tells me that at my age and condition, the protocol that I'm on will suffice. He wants me to do 30 mins. of aerobic activity every day, such as  a brisk walk. I find that getting up and moving around helps put me backin sinus node, but not always. He also says that ablation technology will reach a point that in 5 years or so, my Afib will be much safer, with a higher success rate and I should wait for that and try to relax in the meantime. Easier said than done. I also have moderate Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, so I think about my heart rate 24/7 literally. During the calm, normal times I fret about predicting when the next time I hit rough seas will be.

[anacyde]

Hi there :)

Some people are quite adept at knowing the difference between rhythms.  I have scoliosis, so my chest is like a drum for my heart.  I can tell the difference between PACs, PVCs and SVT when it occurs.  Most people, however, cannot.

Aspirin will help you avoid the clot worry.  The other meds should help reduce the frequency of the episodes.  Afib isn't typically a life-threatening arrhythmia, but it sure does cause an unpleasant experince for the person going through it.  I believe what I have heard it that the clot risk starts to peak around 48 hours.

Have you been given specifics on what types of exercise you can do?  I find that regular moderate (not crazy) exercise helps reduce SVT, which is quite similar to a-fib.