
Hi Doctor, My Name Is XXXXXXX Im A Woman Of

I measure 1.60. And weigh 55 kg. My blood pressure is good in fact more on low side. I do not drink alcohol and do not smoke.
I have over active thyroid , which controlled By carbimazole 5mg which I take one per day. I also take Crestor 10mg for high cholesterol.
My recent blood test all normal except last few test shows slight drop in white cell count. My General Practitioner feels this might be caused by carbimazole .
Over years, more than 20 years I had sensation of flutter in chest, feeling of electrical sock almost, with other symptoms of lightheadedness etc. 6 years ego in a trip to emergency room I
Found out that I have irregular heartbeat. And after being followed by cardiologist and had permanant monitor, I was told that I have occasional AF plus occasional atrial ectopics and atrial bigeminy.. I feel these when they happen at times symptoms are similar. I have been given flecainide 50mg and metoprolol 50mg tablet to take only when I get these and does not resolve fast.
As result I got myself an Apple Watch to be able to measure my heart rate. Since I realized the following:
Days all relatively good.
Other days I have at time rise in my heart beat not too high going to 90 beat and sudden drop to 60! When happening I feel it in my chest
Question: is this normal to have such a big drop suddenly?
Other times even when I am sitting I get sudden rise in heart beat highest I had was 165, but hen goes down, and up and down at times drop quite low. Lowest I had was 43! All this happening within half an hour or so
Question: is this how AF is? I thought AF is staying high but irregular!
Question: the flecainide would be alright to take in these cases? Even if heart rate goes up and then drop? And if yes am I to take metoprolol before even though I have a drop in heart rate too?
Question: I know the resting heart rate could be in between 60 to 100, mine goes at times to 50 or in sleep even to 48, although I am not someone fit who does sport, is this normal?
And my last question: while doing normal activities such as house work or a normal walk I see my heart beat could rise up to 130, is this normal or too high for light activities?
Thank you so much for your time. Looking forward to get your thoughts on my questions
Please refer to the detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello
After going through the detailed medical history provided by you I can understand your concern for your health and I would like to answer your questions as below
1. Such sudden variations in heart rate could be the result of AF. AF could be fast or slow.
2. Flecainide is basically an anti Arrhythmic and can be used if AF is persisting. Metoprolol should be avoided if heart rate is below 60.
3. It’s normal to have a rate of 48 during sleep nothing abnormal.
4. This is because you are not physically active that’s why even slight physical activity raises your heart rate.
Also it’s advisable to take good care of your thyroid levels as that also affect heart rhythm.
Kind Regards

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