I am on warfarin but do I need to be on any additional medication for rhythm or rate control? I would rather not be if no need.

[dedeottie]

Also is is ok to exercise while in AF? My A.F. is paroxysmal occurring on average every 2 weeks . It can last on and off for between 2 and 4 days. My pulse rate is irregular but doesn't usually go above a hundred. Thank you.

[BobD Volunteer]

Some people find exercise helpful in stopping AF but I think it is very much up to the individual as others find their AF totally knocks them out. The two ways of drug treatment,, rate or rhythm control , will both have side effects so if you do not have any problems you may find you can cope well without treatment. Ablation may stop the attacks completely should you choose that route and not need to take drugs. Be prepared for your attacks to get more often and longer as it tends to be a degenerative condition which will only get worse over time. There is some suggestion that controlling the condition may perhaps slow down this trend. I would suggest that you read up on everything from the fact sheets on AFA website and have a serious discussion with your EP or cardiologist.

BobD

[dedeottie in reply to BobD]

Thanks for responding to my question . I already feel better knowing there are people I can talk to who know what its like. I need to get my GP to refer me to a cardiologist I think.

Dedeottie

[TheStand]

dedeottie, First Welcome to the forum.

Exercise is normally ok. I know many who say that it stops the attack and puts them back in NSR. You are on an anticoagulant so the worry of a stroke is less. Normally the Drs will tell you to listen to your body and not to overdo it. I would speak to your Dr about it.

As to the additional meds... If your pulse doesn't go much above 100 (most of us will hit 185-225 during an attack) then rate control would not really make much sense. They report that a heart rate above 140 to 150 can cause other heart problems in the future. Rhythm meds are to try and stop the attacks from happening. This is very helpful to those who are very symptomatic. Also with AF "the more it happens, the more it will happen" and the attacks usually get worse over time. That being said a rhythm control med, by stopping or lessening the attack frequency, can slow down the progression of AF.

Have you spoken to an EP yet? They can best lay out a plan for you with the proper treatment. That could include meds and or procedures. Meds can only control AF for a limited period of time and depending on your age a procedure like Ablation may be your best course of action.

Please check out the main AFA site atrialfibrillation.org.uk/ . It has a wealth of information that can help you to make the right choice for your treatment.

Again, Welcome to the forum. And ask away when you have a question. There are many of us here who are going and have gone through exactly what you are experiencing now.

Tim

[dedeottie in reply to TheStand]

Thanks so much for your helpful comments. I really do feel reassured that I can speak to people who have the same things to go through. You have made me sure that I need to see a consultant to chat about everything. Thanks for making me feel so welcome.

Dedeottie

[mumknowsbest Volunteer]

Hi Dedeottie

Just to say hi and say thaat I agree with everything that bob and Tim have said. The only thing I would reinforce is that ideally you need to see and electrophysiologist

Eileenp

[dedeottie in reply to mumknowsbest]

Thanks. I had never heard of one before coming on to this forum so am really glad I did! Am going to my GP next week and have booked a double appointment so that I can have a good talk. I will let you all know how I get on. Thanks for all the help.

Dedeottie