If you’re living with paroxysmal AFib like I am, you might be wondering what I track during an AFib episode to help stay safe and feel in control. When you’re in the middle of an episode, it can be hard to think clearly—especially if you’re scared, alone, or it’s happening in the middle of the night. One of the most important habits I’ve developed is tracking my episodes: what I feel, what I take, and what my body is doing. It’s helped me feel more in control and gives my doctor useful insight when I follow up.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what I track during an AFib episode, the tools I use, and how it helps me manage my health and stay calm when things feel out of control. Whether you’re new to AFib or trying to build better habits, this could be a great place to start.
Why I Started Tracking AFib Episodes
At first, I was just trying to survive each episode. But over time, I realized that patterns were emerging. I needed a way to:
- Remember what triggered an episode
- Know what helped shorten it
- Track my vitals and medications
- Have real data to share with my doctor
Tracking gave me answers when I used to feel overwhelmed. I didn’t know what I was doing at first, but over time I figured out what I needed to monitor. It’s now become second nature, and I wouldn’t manage AFib without it.
What I Track During an AFib Episode: The Tools I Use
You don’t need anything fancy to start. Here’s what I personally use:
- Apple Watch to monitor heart rate and record EKGs
- Blood pressure cuff (automatic)
- Pulse oximeter (occasionally useful)
- Notes app on my phone or a notebook
- Sometimes a medication log or checklist
You can also download AFib tracking apps, but I find that keeping it simple works best when I’m in the middle of an episode.
What I Write Down During an AFib Episode
When I feel AFib starting, I begin documenting right away. Here’s what I record:
- Date and time the episode began
- How it started (woke from sleep, eating, stress, etc.)
- Symptoms (fluttering, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.)
- Heart rate range using my watch or device
- Blood pressure if readable
- Any medication I took (and time I took it)
- What helped or didn’t help (breathing, cold water, etc.)
- Time I converted back to sinus rhythm
- If I contacted anyone or considered the ER
Sometimes I also jot down my emotional state—whether I felt calm, panicked, or tired—because it often impacts how I handle the next episode.
Why Tracking AFib Episodes Helps Me Stay Safe
When I track everything during an AFib episode, I feel less helpless. It reminds me that I have a system in place—that I’m not just waiting in fear.
It also helps me decide when to go to the hospital and when I can safely stay home. If my blood pressure is too low, my heart rate is too high, or something feels off, I don’t second-guess it. Having data gives me the confidence to make safer, smarter choices.
Tracking has also helped reduce anxiety. There’s something very grounding about writing things down and seeing a pattern or knowing I’ve been through it before and survived.
What My Doctor Thinks of AFib Tracking
My electrophysiologist actually encouraged me to keep doing this. It helps them see:
- The frequency of episodes
- How long they last
- Whether medications are working
- What patterns might be emerging
Doctors don’t always have time to dig through every detail in one visit, but even a summary of a few episodes can help them make better decisions about treatment.
Tips for Starting Your Own AFib Tracker (And What I Track During an AFib Episode)
You don’t need high-tech tools. Start simple:
- Use pen and paper
- Create a checklist you print and keep by your bed
- Set up a Note or app on your phone for fast entries
- Include reminders to track medication timing
The key is to be consistent. Even messy notes are better than none. Over time, your log will become one of your most valuable tools. Personally, I’ve learned that what I track during an AFib episode not only helps me feel safer, but also gives me confidence that I’m doing everything I can to manage it from home.
Final Thoughts
AFib can feel unpredictable, but tracking your episodes gives you back some control. It’s helped me feel more prepared, less scared, and more informed about what my heart is doing. What I track during an AFib episode now becomes a guidepost for the next time—it’s like leaving clues for myself and my doctor. I hope it helps you too.
If you’ve ever wondered what to track during an AFib episode, I hope this post gives you a place to start. Tracking might seem small, but it’s made a big difference in how I manage AFib day to day. It helps me feel more prepared, more informed, and less afraid — and that kind of confidence matters.
