I was sweeping and vacuuming the downstairs around 1pm today, and my chest started pounding. I was dizzy, short of breath, and overcome by fatigue.
I have a smartwatch, which had previously alerted me to intermittent episodes of bradycardia and tachycardia1. I have a first consultation with a cardiologist on 6-November as a result of that. The smartwatch also has an #ECG2 function. I immediately activated that function, as this was a very very unusual feeling for me.
Yes, it showed a period of #Afib3. It was short, only about 10-15 seconds if I am interpreting the chart correctly. The watch uses AI to examine a 30 second ECG strip, and it told me that the rhythm was abnormal and indicated AFib.
I have shared this result with my PCP, and the cardiologist who I have been referred to, but have not yet seen. No one immediately got back to me and said “Get thee to an ER”, so I’m not too worried. I’m glad to have that strip though.
I’ve been suspicious that I may actually have developed #LongCovid from a period of illness back in July 2021. It was way more severe than a cold or flu. It put me in the bed for about 5 days, barely able to breathe. At that point in time, at-home testing was not generally available, and there is no way I could have gotten myself to a testing center. Therefore, it’s only presumptive Covid. But other than the loss of taste, most of the other symptoms were present.
I was, at the time, as fully vaccinated as was possible. I wrote about that experience here4 on my blog. It was extremely unpleasant. And it’s now known that Covid can cause cardiac issues5.
That’s where that stands. I’m really looking forward to 6-November. I will post, whatever I learn, after that visit. And of course, I will also share anything new of interest.
- Tachy-Brady Syndrome, also known as sick sinus syndrome. I am not yet diagnosed. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sick-sinus-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377554 ↩︎
- ECG: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983 ↩︎
- AFib: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624 ↩︎
- My bout with presumptive Covid: https://janetannelogan.wordpress.com/2021/07/27/covid-19-vaccines-and-masks/ ↩︎
- Long Covid and cardiac issues: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351 ↩︎
An Aging Trans Woman 
Interesting your watch registered it! Glad you have an appointment soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Cass. I actually activated the ECG function manually because of how I was feeling. My heart was pounding unusually, even for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heard from the cardiologist that I haven’t seen yet. He reviewed the records I sent, and doesn’t think it was actually #AFib, so that is good news.
Maybe I can calm the panic attack that was building, and actually get some rest.
LikeLike
I’m sorry that happened, but I’m so glad you are aware of and respect what your body tells you (along with your smartwatch, of course!) Here’s to 11/6, and to it not happening again meantime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ali. 🫂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heard from the cardiologist that I haven’t seen yet. He reviewed the records I sent, and doesn’t think it was actually #AFib, so that is good news.
Maybe I can calm the panic attack that was building, and actually get some rest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is good news, and I’m glad for you. I hope you calm the panic attack-can I help you count, online, or something? If you have the chance, I’ve found passionflower tea to be calming (as well as delicious.) I know it’s late to shop now. But soon, get hold of some. Wonderful stuff. And you can smell, it, taste it, see it, feel it in your mouth, and hear your spoon clink. (I know you know what I’m doing there… ) Rest well, Janet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ali. And yes, I get that involving all the senses is a great way to break the panic cycle. 🫂
LikeLiked by 1 person