After 3 weeks in Permanent AF, what are the chances of going back into NSR with or without treatment?

[joannamaria]

My mother has just started Digoxin and is also on atenolol and warfarin.This is her second attack of permanent AF at aged 74.

[Mercman]

Hi, joannamaria, I was prescribed digoxin, atenolol and warfarin for permanent AF ten years ago and still taking them together. Tiredness seems to be the main side effect. I'm presuming she is new to the medication, I'd be greatfull if you could let me know how she get finds it..

Mercman .

[Bagrat]

hello Joannamaria,

My husband (age 68) went into AF in May last year ( on holiday but not alcohol related). He last had an episode about 15 years ago which reverted to NSR without treatment after 3 or 4 days. He was prescribed propafenone and anticoagulation in Spain to add to his bucket load of heart and antihypertensive meds (including atenolol) .Propafenone had no effect on irregular rhythm.. As he has no symptoms he was advised to continue on warfarin and stop the anti arrythmic. I notice he is a little more tired but he doesn't!!

[TheStand]

Joannamaria,

After going into permanent AF and remaining there for a while the chances of slipping back into NSR really go down. Have they tried to cardiovert her? The 2 most popular forms of cardioversion are electrical and chemical. At 74 I might not want the electrical but they might be able to return her to NSR using Cardizem or Amiodarone. Cardizem is a calcium channel blocker and has been pretty effective at returning an AF patient back to NSR. Amiodarone is a rhythm control drug which is also quite effective for the same purpose.

You stated that she is taking atenolol which is a beta blocker and used to slow the heart rate and Digoxin which is used to regulate the rhythm of the heart. There are many other rhythm control drugs which may work better than Digoxin but their effectiveness goes way down in those with permanent AF.

If it hasn't been tried you might speak to her Dr about trying cardioversion and ask about the other rhythm control drugs that might work better for her. I know of quite a few 70+ AF patients who are taking amiodarone with success. This drug is about the strongest and best of the rhythm control drugs but with long term use has some nasty side effects.

The following sites have an abundance of information on procedures and meds that will help you know what to speak to the Dr about:

atrialfibrillation.org.uk/

stopafib.org

Tim