Have just read AFA info on flecainide and note that I should be having ECG every six months.

[Bagrat]

Also "It is important that they also receive either Beta-Blockers or

a rate limiting calcium antagonist (Verapamil or Diltiazem) I swopped from bisoprolol to Flec as my pulse dropped on a low dose and it did not control AF. I just take Flec and warfarin.

No one had ever suggested a check ECG ( though as I was admiited in Jan I did get one then!!) I've been discharged by Cardio. Any thoughts guys??

[TheStand]

Wendy,

First about the Flecainide... That is not a hard fast rule. The ECG is to see how your heart's electrical circuits are reacting to the drug. Most tolerate it very well and unless there is a noticed problem you will probably only have an ECG with each visit to the cardio.

The Beta Blocker is a matter of choice. If the flecainide is controlling the AF well then aside from having another heart condition the beta blocker would not be needed. Some Drs use both as a combination to stop (or make less frequent) the attacks and if they do happen the beta blocker will make it more tolerable. Other conditions like a slow heart rate or low blood pressure would also make it not desirable to take a beta blocker.

When my Dr put me on propafenone (similar to flecainide) he did have me come in after 5 days for an ECG but after that I only had one with each visit (about 1 year).

Tim

[chrisharmer Volunteer]

Hi Wendy,

I agree with Tim. I've been on Flecainide for 4 years since my ablation, and a year before.

I started off taking Bisoprolol as well, because they wanted to rate limit any breakthrough AF ot tachycardia. But the Flec is very effective, and I've had no breakthroughs at all except when I tried coming off the Flec.So I'm on Flec and aspirin - the EP thinks I should be on Warfarin "in case" I get breakthroughs or silent AF, but I am confident that isn't happening - when I have been in AF it is, shall we say, rather obvious!!

I had 6 monthly ECGs for 18 months, but my GP doesn't think continuing them is necessary as I seem to be so stable.

Take care - the gang is always here if you need us!

Regards, Chris H

[Terjo]

HI Chris, great to hear of someone with the same medication as me. Does your GP want you on warfarin? I'm not but my BP is very high and I can't tolerate any other heart medicine. Flecanide is fine for me too, Ive not had an ecg for ages. Terjo

[chrisharmer Volunteer in reply to Terjo]

Hi Terjo, the EPs would like me on Warfarin as a "just in case" that I may be getting what is known as "silent AF" which is AF where you have no symptoms so are not aware you are in AF. But my GP and I both agree that after the ablation and with a bit of Flec, I am having no AF whatever. If I am in AF I know all about it (!) and I do check my pulse very regularly - which we all should do. So I am just on Aspirin which is generally agreed to be useless, but my GP agrees that it makes him feel better!

But if you are regularly getting AF then you must br properly anticoagulated which usually means Warfarin. Take care, and please use this forum - we are always here.

Regards, Chris

(PS I deleted my previous comment because I realised that it didn't read quite right)

[Bagrat]

Thanks Tim, Chris H and Terjo,

I do get tired and chest aches various but have had the aches prior to AF and medication (over 8 years in fact since husband's MI) and have always thought it was anxiety as if it was anything else I'd have got worse by now!!

Take Care Wendy B

[lizwright]

Taken flecanide for years with a beta blocker. Plus wafarin. Keeps me relatively stable unless I get anxious and stress and anxiety sends me straight into af. Unfortunately in my line of work (editor) I do get my fair share of these so just have to try and work through it.