One time event?

[12string]

I had my first and only (hopefully) Afib episode on 9/15/16. Heart rate got to around 200. Emergency room reset the heart after the third concoction of meds. Overnight stay showed no cardio issues or damage. I'm 65 and was already on 10mg Ramipril once a day. They added 5mg of A liquid twice a day. I work out regularly and am at a good weight. Eat healthy all the time. Only vice is alcohol a few times a week. All that background just to ask this question. How long a period of non-occurrence of an Afib episode, could it be called a one time event?

[12string]

Sorry, that should be "added 5mg of Eliquis.

[rosyG]

I don't think it's possible- or wise- to view it as a possible one off event- this does happen sometimes - with young athletes for example- and they have to wind down their training to get heart sorted out -but the ageing process contributes to AF and things do tend to continue after starting. Having said that, there is a lot of research now about how switching to a very healthy diet and life style can reduce or even stop AF from occurring .(bin the alcohol if you can bear it !!)

I was reading something recently about progression of AF and ,if one has other problems with health , AF is more likely to progress).

If you take more exercise and eat a very healthy , balanced diet, and avoid known triggers ( which differ from one person to another) it's the best way forward.

I found that on the three occasions I had to go to A and E with AF my potassium level was below range- since changinging my diet to include potassium rich foods- salmon, coconut water, jacket potato, lots of vegetables, I haven't had any further AF ( past 2 years ) I have also done more exercise- but I don't really expect I won't ever have AF again!!

Hope you stay well

[BobD Volunteer]

Unless the AF was brought on by binge drinking I do not think there is such as thing as a one time event. Sorry to tell you that. It may be some time before the next event or not as the case may be. AF is almost always progressive it is just the time frame that is difficult to judge. Cutting out alcohol and reducing reliance on meat products may slow things down considerably according to some people.

Go to AF Association main website and read all you can for a better understanding of this mongrel condition. .

[fallingtopieces]

I had one proper 90 min AF episode in 2012. I'm still waiting for the next one and consider myself as having paroxysmal AF.

That episode was brought on by a slushy ice drink swigged quickly on a hot day.

I do/have had, ectopic beats and other very short runs of extra beat rhythms but not AF.

I've had those on and off for > 15 years.

Pat

[Yachtgirl in reply to fallingtopieces]

I was wondering if you take anticoagulants. I have had only one 3 hour episode' went straight to A and E self reverted. I was not prescribed anticoagulants, that was three years ago and no documented AF since.

[12string in reply to Yachtgirl]

I take Eliquis 5mg twice a day. They rated me a 2 because of being 65 for 1 and a 2 for already having light hypertension. I take 10mg of Ramipril once a day.

[12string in reply to fallingtopieces]

Most of my arrhythmia seems to be losing a beat. Usually, (when it occurs) it is every 3-5 beats.

[fallingtopieces in reply to 12string]

That sounds like 'trigenimy'.

I've had those too.

Pat

[12string in reply to fallingtopieces]

That's a new one for me.

[RiderontheStorm]

I went nearly 2 years initially without incident until I had to have a Cardioversion that lasted 14 months. Now I have had 2 big AF events in 2 months. Why I am looking at Ablation. It does not get better with time. It's degenerative and gets worse. Some people can manage for a long period of time with only pills. Some doctors consider Ablation first line of defense now.

[12string in reply to RiderontheStorm]

Yes, that is my understanding, as well. I am going to bring this up at my doctors appointment, next week with my GP.

[RobertELee]

In my case it was about 9 months between my first episode and the second one but then, over the next three years, the gaps became progressively shorter until I felt a state of permanent AF was fast approaching. 18 months post ablation now and thankfully completely free of the dreadful condition.

[12string in reply to RobertELee]

Tks, good to hear. Sounds, by the responses, I am just wishing it away.

[RiderontheStorm in reply to 12string]

Yes, I tried that too. I am an Adapt, Improvise and Overcome type that is frustrated at trying to /Thnk positively/control/wish away my AF.

[CDreamer]

When my AF started the gaps between episode 1 & 2 was 18 months, then I had several in the same month, then nothing for 8 months, then 1 episode. Gradually episodes became more frequent and I more symptomatic.

You may be lucky, it could be your first and last and hope that is the way for you, but don't ever believe or hope too hard for that as the others have said, AF tends to be progressive.

To add to diet and exercise - sleep, good quality and enough of it is also important so if you snore or if you wake up during the night frequently, go see a sleep clinic as this is also a very important component of good health. As we age the body takes longer to recover and so we need good quality sleep. Poor quality sleep has also to be shown to be a very important factor in AF - see recent video by cardiologist Dr Santa Gupta on the forum,

Best wishes CD

[12string in reply to CDreamer]

Tks, so much. I have heard how important sleep is. I try to get 8 each night.

[expences]

I had my first and only episode in Feb last year. I thought it was brought on by drinking coffee instead of my usual decal but the Drs dont believe that. :(( ( I dont tolerate caffeine).

Was cardioverted the next day into NSR immediately.

I check my pulse regularly because I was told it could be silent AF... I have not been able to pick up another episode during the day or night since. I'm a retired paramedic so it's no big deal to check it.

Now I have to take rivoxaraban for the rest of my life .. very frustrating!

I believe it might not be typical because over the years I have had rhythm troubles but never AF eg sinus tachycardia, double atrial beats, and bigeminy but since giving away caffeine, have not had a problem.

Good luck with yours.

[Yachtgirl in reply to expences]

I believe that caffeine can trigger AF in some people, me for instance. It also causes tachycardia and other heart rhythm problems. My cardiologist was guarded but said although there is no proven link he says itmis possible.

[12string in reply to expences]

I do drink 3 cups of 1/2 & 1/2 of decaf a day. Occasionally, I will have a soda. Tks.

[Dougsey]

I've had 3 episodes of AF - 7 years between the first two, 18 months between 2nd and 3rd - lat 2 both needing cardioversions. I have changed my lifestyle considerably and now drink far less than I used to - but still indulge 2/3 times a week, but rarely to excess. When I do over-do it, it doesn't trigger AF, but my HR does rise approx. 10-15 bpm for a while (to 65-70) and I do notice it.

Trying to reduce intake further as I def feel better without drinking but at 43, I can't get my head around not being infalliable! Last 2 episodes have been triggered by sprinting - so have changed my exercise regime to steady swimming. A decent pace but no sprints! Good luck!

[12string in reply to Dougsey]

Tks, Dougsey. Other than age it seems we might be kindred spirits.