AF attacks.

[ruthalem]

HI everyone, I was told by my doctor that I had AF while seeing him for a chest infection.

I was put on Warfarin but found I was intolerant to it. I now take Dabigatran. which suits me fine. One thing I don`t understand is what an AF attack is, I don`t think I can ever have had one, the only thing I get is a bit short of breath when I walk to far or to fast, is this what is meant by an AF attack, or is it something much worse.

[Maitha]

I have been diagnosed with AF recently after years of suffering from what they call it earlier as panic attacks

I'm completely healthy most of the time and I don't get tired easily by exercises also

But I started having attackers yearly then few times a month

My symptoms varies from minor to sever which drive me to ER

palpitations , chess tightness and dizzy and all bad feelings , I think I may experience death symptoms a lot

I'm sure your doctor had documented your AF and symptoms may varied where some doesn't feel it or just like me

Anyway blood thinner is a shield to protect you from any stroke

Better to take care of yourself more and read more so you can avoid AF triggers

Wish you all the best

Maitha

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

An "attack" or episode of AF has the hallmark of an irregular heartbeat. Sometimes it is crazy fast, and sometimes near normal, but being irregular is what makes it AF and not just tachycardia or atrial flutter. The best way to know is to take your pulse. Sometimes when it is happening you may feel short of breath or a little dizzy. Different people have different manifestations. But if it is AF it is an irregular heartbeat for everyone. I hope that helps. Take good care. Glad you are on the anticoagulant!

[ruthalem]

I have an irregular heartbeat all the time, does this mean I am having a constant AF attack.

I didn`t realise I had AF until the doctor told me.

[TheStand in reply to ruthalem]

pamelaboam,

You very well could be in permanent AF. Most have a very rapid heart rate which lets them know something is wrong. But there are many who never have a symptom and don't realize it until they get the pulse checked. I have spoken to quite a few who did not know they had AF until a stroke or TIA happened so it is good that they have put you on an anticoagulant.

Go to the main AFA site and look at this explanation of AF and there is a good video here: atrialfibrillation.org.uk/p...

You can also click on patient information.. There is a wealth of info there.

Keep us informed on how you are doing..

Tim

[BobD Volunteer]

Dear Pamela, From what you say I tend to agree with Tim that you have permanent AF rather than paroxysmal (where it comes and goes.) The body is a wonderful machine and adapts very well to most things so people with permanent AF are frequently asymptomatic in that they are not aware of it. When attacks come and go as in paroxysmal AF the patient is usually very aware of it which can be distressing to say the least.

AF is not life threatening itself but a most important factor in stroke so as long as you are protected by anticoagulants then may people manage permanent AF very well., Knowledge is power so as TIm suggests read p as much as you can from the main AFA website to help you have an informed discussion with you doctors.

Bob

[ruthalem]

Thanks for that Bob, After reading all the blogs on AF Association it makes me realise that I know next to nothing about what is going on inside my own body. That is all going to change, I will make an appointment with my GP and get a more detailed account as to what is going on, and if there is any other treatment that would be of benefit to me.

[rimtechmob]

Im due to have a echo to check my heart had---Pneumonia about to weeks back im still a bit cough a little bit which can make me short of breath--I had open heart surgery to put a metallic valve in the Aorta in 2014 and the doctors are checking when i have the echo for AF -- they seem to thing being sick a while back ---Pneumonia has stirred it up-- let you know how i go after the ECHO ps i do have AF know i got to learn how to deal with it