New Diagnosis

[Ialla]

I was just diagnosed with AF, & am not sure what to expect. Will be seeing a EP in a couple of weeks.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Lalla and welcome

What to expect depends on what symptoms you currently have, the severity of them, and what impact they have on your lifestyle to be honest. Also on what other medical challenges you may face alongside AF. It's a difficult condition to lay down hard and fast rules about as so many people suffer AF in so many different ways.

Likely will of course be an ECG (but you've probably had on already) maybe an echocardiogram, or depending on circumstances some form of halter.

But the good news is that an EP is exactly thr right person to be seeing.

Be well

Ian

[Ialla in reply to Beancounter]

I had an echo today.  I am generally very healthy.  I do have hyper tension, which is controlled, but no other issues that I'm aware of, I.e. No diabetes, no high lipids, good thyroid, etc.  I exercise, but am a bit over weight. 

[Rellim296]

Hi there Lalla. It's worrying to be diagnosed with a heart condition, but AF is just a problem with the heart's electrics. It affects all sorts of people and likes to creep into our lives, gradually or suddenly becoming ever more uppity.

AF doesn't have to rule your life. It's very treatable and many of us are far better off now than when we were first diagnosed - partly because we soon gain knowledge and experience and know how to be in control of our personal brand of AF.

With help from an EP it's possible to get on top of it. There are several ways forward as your EP will probably explain. If an ablation is mentioned I would suggest being in favour and getting your name down on the list as it can be a long wait. Ask how long it might be. You can subsequently change your mind if you decide you don't feel it is for you but asking to think about it could delay treatment.

[BobD Volunteer]

Knowledge is power so the first step s to go to AF Association website and start reading all the fact sheets there. That way when you see your EP you will be able to discuss your condition from a position of some knowledge rather than just be a customer.

[Kateydog]

Yes, Bob is right. The more you know the easier it becomes and you will feel you are beginning to control "it" rather than the AF controlling you. It is very frightening at first, I know. Best wishes for the future.

[Ialla]

Thanks for all the support.  I'm reading like crazy, & am already better informed & a bit less anxious.

[10gingercats]

Unfortunately not everyone gets to see an EP first go off unless they go private....it is usually the Cardiologist although some do refer you down the line if they feel out of their depth. It is hit and miss. So feel lucky.

[Ialla]

I'm in the US, but my brother lives in the UK.  My GP was able to get me into see an EP although there is a wait of about three weeks.  My GP increased the verapamil I was already taking, & the arrhythmia snare much better for now.

[Eliza1]

I understand how scary this whole afib thing is.  I was terrified last July when I was diagnosed with persistent afib out of the blue.  I took medications for 2 months that made me sick and didn't work.  Had ablation in Boston at great hospital with great EP. I'm doing well now and my heart is behaving.  If you get scared and gave questions feel free to contact me either on forum or private message me.  Take care.

[Ialla in reply to Eliza1]

Thanks so much for the encouragement.  I have an echo today, & will see an EP in a couple of weeks.  I haven't had another occurrence, knock wood.  My GP doubled my verapamil & so far so good.  I'm wondering if the fact that my AF is intermittent makes me less of a candidate for ablation.

[Eliza1]

I believe the answer to that is no.  The success rates go up with intermittent afib as far as ablation goes I believe.  The question is " do you want to depend on medication to regulate heartbeat?" Some people do well on these medications and others do not.  Afib begets afib meaning it usually gets worse in time.  Talk to your EP and good luck.