i have just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and have been prescribed warfarin do the symptoms of breathlessness go away

[marydel]

[jennydog]

In my experience - NO. Your symptoms will change due to various things such as differing medications. Warfarin will give you the confidence to know that you are unlikely to have a stroke. It protects you so it's vital that you take it as instructed.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Mardydel and welcome

Good news that you are on warfarin, the real danger of us A fibbers is stroke, and the warfarin will make that risk much more manageable, and reduce it.

Re breathlessness, it comes with A Fib I am sorry to say, however when you are prescribed either rhythm control drugs or rate control drugs you will probably find it better to cope with, although with some of the drugs it gets worse before it gets better if that makes sense.

But important now that you read all you can about the condition, use the AFA website which has some fantastic resources and fell free to ask questions here.

Have you been referred to a cardio or an EP?

Be well

Ian

[kenthynne]

Hi Marydel, when I was first diagnosed with AF it was difficult to suddenly realise I had a heart condition but fear not it's more common than you think and can be managed with either medications or procedures. This site and it's members are a godsend. You will in time receive all the support you need and have every question answered with so much knowledge from everyone. Stay positive and stay well. God bless x

[Hidden]

Hi marydel,It might seem a stupid thing to say when you are breathless,but try walking every day if possible it gets the heart pumping and after a couple of weeks you,ll feel a lot better,start with a short distance and build it up over the weeks

[Hidden]

Hi marydel

As said above, Warfarin is for stroke risk. But re your breathlessness, when my AF wasn't controlled I had breathlessness presumably because my ticker wasn't able to get enough oxygen into my blood, or sufficient blood up to my head, don't know the reason, I'm not medical. But when on the right drugs (for me), and also after my ablation which worked for 8 years, I felt completely normal. I have just had 6-12 months of being breathless, having to take it very steady etc. My EP tried me on various rhythm control drugs until we've found the one that works in my case (so far!!!!), and once again I'm back to normal.

Regards

Koll

[marydel in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. It's difficult to get used to not doing everything you're used to.

[marydel]

Thank you everyone for your information and kind comments

I have only been diagnosed 3weeks and I am waiting for an appointment to see cardiologist but at least being on the warfarin has cut down one vital risk. I will just have to see how it goes. Thanks again

[Fussyface]

Hi Marydel

The breathlessness and dizziness (in my case) was worse on certain meds, one size definitely does n't fit all. I don' t get much of either now that I've had an ablation even though , I'm going to need another one pretty soon, just get the palpitations now? Bit weird but we're all different. You'll find your way, be well, and welcome.

[marydel in reply to Fussyface]

Thank you.

[keeponticking]

Hi Marydel. Have had 6 cardioversions, a mitral valve repair, a Maze and 2 ablations in the last 15 months and only now after the second ablation am I able to breathe, but everyone is different! Also some beta blockers can affect lung function due to their very nature! Take it easy - it will get better and you will find ways to cope! good luck!

[abihel]

I was diagnosed with AF in September and to be honest the breathlessness was the worst symptom to cope with. I too was put on warfrin and Bisaprolol and at first the symptoms were worse. However after a while I did start to feel better and my breathing was much better....I think it was a case of perseverance with the medication. In November I had a cardioversion and the results were instant..I felt better than I had felt for a long long time, and still do.The cardioversion is nothing at all to worry about I promise you that, if they offer it to you, take it. Good luck I'm sure you will fell better soon. xxxx