NEW TO AF

[CEL123456]

I have recently been diagnosed with AF.I cannot feel anything going on in my chest to tell me if my heart is fibrilating.....is that the norm?

[BobD Volunteer]

Well some would say Lucky bugger. I presume that you have been diagnosed with persistent AF which never stops in which case your body has learned to live with it. If your AF is paroxysmal, i e comes and goes then most people find this very distressing as it knocks them for six when events occur.

The most important thing is to understand that AF makes one five times more likely to have a stroke so you need to discuss anticoagulation with whoever is treating you. I also suggest that you look up Atrial Fibrillation Association website and read as much as you can from the fact sheets that are available as knowledge is power. Ask anything here and we will try to help.

Bob

[Marion62]

Hi CEL123456

I was fortunate to be diagnosed in 2012 by a random pulse check. I have no symptoms and don't feel my heart beats. I was told that as I have no symptoms then I would be given medication to control my rate and most important, given anticoagulation - warfarin.

Take care

Marion

[higgy52]

Hi ive been diognosed with AF, been short of breath and been asma clinic for months, but inhalers wernt working so doc gave me e c g, and told me to go strait to A and E.

gave me tablets, witch helped me, been for cardiovertion but there a waste of time only worked for 1 hour, next was angagram, all ok round heart, next step is a scan,

just keep going docs and hospital, hope to get sorted one day.

[Hidden]

G'day Cel123456,

Do try and remember that some people can be in AF and not know it ! I know, I'm one of them with a letter from my cardio guy to my GP explaining this.

I know those who are in it all the time find this hard to believe but it is a fact.

It is also a bit of a challenge.

John

[Bridges4]

I was told by my EP last week that it is estimated more than 2 million people have AF without knowing. This is when it can be dangerous as everybody with AF need to be checked out regularly and given appropriate medication.

It seems to be true of certain other conditions such as diabetes and hypertension both of which don't have any initial symptoms, as in my case.

All the best