Hi I have AF found out in sept, I have had the Cardio version it did not work for me, Now I am on Varapermil 120mg twice a day plus Isotard

[suzytoshoes]

I just wanted to know if anyone has bad days? since they have increased my varaperamil, I seem to get more but my Doctor said it was increased because heart rate was over 100 could it be my Diet? is their certain things you must not eat when have AF ? sorry for all these questions, having a bad time at the moment suzy

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Suzy and welcome. We all get bad days when things seem much worse. Some people have what is know as vagal AF where it seems to be affected by the vagus nerve which controls both heart and digestive system . In such cases it is possible for foods to become triggers for AF and if you are one of those people you will soon work out which things to avoid.. Common things often blamed are , in no particular order, cheese, alcohol. chocolate. curry. caffeine sugar, you name it somebody will have thought that it makes their AF worse and it really is a very personal thing.

AF ALWAYS gets worse over time. Hence the saying AF begets AF .

You don't say what kind of doctor is treating you and from things you will read on here GPs are probably the worst kind. Cardiologists do have some skills but again often sadly lacking where AF is concerned and the very best people to see are Electrophysiologists. They are cardiologist who specialise in rhythm disorders. The electricians to the general cardiologists plumber. if you like. There is a list by area on the main website and I would recommend that you ask to see one if you are not happy with treatment. You may wish to discuss ablation treatment with him.if drugs do not suit you/

You must also be aware that AF brings with it a five times normal risk of stroke and many people should be on anticoagulant such as warfarin. There is a risk calculator (CHADS2 score) again on the main website and again you should check this out and see if you are at risk. Many GPs are reluctant to prescribe anticoagulants and some patients are scared to take them but as once was said to me, you can always stop taking warfarin but you can't undo a stroke.

Hope some of that helps.

Bob

[suzytoshoes in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, thank you for the welcome I am seeing a Cardiologist, I have had a Cardioversion, it did not work then had a machine for 24hrs which showed my heart rate over 100 so they have increased my Varapermil to twice a day, I am also on Warfarin, isotard I am on Varapermil as cant take Beta blockers as have Asthma only mild now,

I think I will have to watch what I eat, to see if that is the problem also I love my Coffee, thank you for your help

Suzy

[Enjoy in reply to suzytoshoes]

Hi Suzy - I notice that you love your coffee - so do I, but I have adjusted to both decaffeinated coffee and tea. I changed 6 months ago and so far - no AF needing A&E. It does take a little getting used to, but change one cup/mug a day for a couple of days and then two for the next two days etc. This way I didn't miss the "lift/taste" of the normal tea and coffee.

[dedeottie in reply to Enjoy]

Hi. With regard to the coffee I have found that Taylor'sdo a really good decaf ground coffee . X

[Jfjfern]

Hi BobD this post is very interesting I have had paf for four years but got miss diagnosed for three years with consultant saying I had svt and went through a ablation for svt,only got diagnosed properly past six months while I was pregnant since giving birth last 12 weeks my paf has got worse, I gave up alcohol and caffeine 3 years ago as I found that triggered it off. I have found I am getting bountsv of paf most days in the mornings , I am on verapamil 40mg three times a day but it is no longer controlling it, I have found Chinese stir fry sauces and gravy also triggers my paf off,and recently bending down triggers it,have you got any advice? Is there any other information about this type of af. I feel like I can't go anywhere on my own with children incase I get an episode, in the past I have been to a and e to be treated,my gp says my chad score is 0 I am only 40 and worry constantly about it. Best wishes Julie