Anyone know about Atrial Fibrillation

[whataboutbob]

So as not to drip feed- my dad had dementia, and I also work in care homes where I notice a significant proportion of residents have AF.
I am trying to keep my risk factors as low as possible but have been wondering whether I have AF. My symptoms are sudden “knocking sensation” in the chest several times a night as I am falling asleep. It feels like my heart misses a beat, then it beats really hard. I don’t really notice it during the day and generally have good exercise tolerance, although I am really rubbish at running and get out of breath before I get o the end of the street- but can hike for miles. Any doctors out there,or AF sufferers? Your input would be really welcome. I haven’t spoken to my GP about this.

DH gets paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. About once a month or so his heartbeat will suddenly become irregular then remain like that for a day or two before reverting to normal. He is otherwise fit although he had high blood pressure which is now well controlled by tablets.
Doesn’t seem to be any obvious triggers.

Best see your GP and get a 24 hr monitor.

What you're experiencing when you fall asleep is almost certainly premature ventricular contractions (ectopic beats). Rather than skipping a beat, your heart adds an extra beat, and it then isn't ready to beat again for a bit longer than usual. This gives the heart more time to fill with blood so the next beat is stronger and feels like a big thud. Almost always completely harmless and related to things like tiredness, caffeine, stress etc.

With AF your heart rhythm feels quite irregular when you take your pulse, and it's often very fast. It's more fluttery than having big thuds.

Obviously impossible to say for certain on the internet so as pp said, go to see your doctor.

Thanks both.. The way you describe it really ressembles what I experience @reallybadidea. I will get round to seeing my GP just to get to the bottom of it. @Bestiswest I hope your DH is getting good treatment and taking care of himself.