Arrhythmia Clusters

I posted on Tuesday about low pressure because I was feeling oddly---experiencing symptoms of dizziness standing and the spins when sitting. I assumed it was low blood pressure, because I had little else to go on. On the way to my first day at my new internship yesterday, I had an arrhythmia and passed out. Since I had another episode like this only a month ago, I am wondering if it is generally accepted that these things come in clusters (electrical storms, I've heard them called), and if there are ever warning signs before they happen. My mum is convinced that she's heard that people who have heart attacks feel lousy beforehand, and then much better after the fact (arrhythmias are a bit different, but maybe they're related). This would make a lot of sense in my case, as I have been feeling strange for several days. So what do we think? Has anyone experienced them in clusters, and if so, what defines a cluster? Were there any unusual feelings in the days or weeks leading up to it? Thanks in advance!

2 Comments

Clusters and Storms

by Vai - 2009-02-27 01:02:06

If I remember correctly you have a ICD pacemaker implant and it seems odd that it did not support you and you passed out due to an episode of arrythmia. This definitely needs to be checked out by your doctor.

I have heard the term "electrical storms" and "clusters" used by doc to describe my atrial fibrillation. Based on the interrogation chart this was plotted as a series of very rapid beats strung together, one following closely another. It looks like a mass of little squares on the plot chart occuring in spurts but over a continous period of time. With the protection from my pacemaker I feel bad, short of breath, cannot function but have never fainted during these episodes. Just take med (just pop in a 40 mg propranolol) and wait it out. The severity drops significantly over next 20-30 minutes. Caution - I do this ONLY because my doc ok it as an emergency measure, and when I am far away from help (like when I am on business travel alone).

This "storm" comes with little warning. However I gathered it is triggered with
- stress, trying to rush around getting harried
- exhaustion from any physical or mental activity (from work)
- caffiene (some brands its almost immediate, others no problem)
- alcohol

Heart attack and arrythmmia have totally different symptoms. Check it out and you worry less.

I trust this help a bit.


Clusters

by ElectricFrank - 2009-02-27 12:02:04

I've noticed that I go through periods of having PVC's, with long periods of none that I sense. A large meal where my stomach feels bloated can bring them on.

The real concern is passing out. This needs to be checked while the data is still in the pacer.

frank

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

Member Quotes

99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.