Cardiologist not sure about my Afib

[Spartan66]

I saw a cardiologist yesterday after a month since A&E picked up asymptomatic AFib on a routine visit for blood test on a false alarm on my potassium level been too high.As it happens the Gp previous blood test was haymolised and my potassium level was normal at the A&E.They done also a CEG whilst I was there and they kept me for observation as they picked up an episode of AFib.I had an echo and a 24ceg since then and 2 more instant cegs and all came back normal.The cardiologist can't find the A&E original CEG in my notes and now he us suggesting a 7 day CEG monitor fitted.What do I do if it comes normal do I stay on vivaroxaban for stroke prevention in case i have PAF or come out of it and risk a possible stroke please help what you think guys

[Drounding]

I would recommend you do what your Cardiologist advises. If he/she says stay on the anticoagulant then do just that.But of course discuss any concerns you have with him/her.

The 7 day monitor may or may not pick anything up but it doesn't mean your original episode won't re-occur.

Unfortunately being diagnosed with AFib means you will have a higher stroke risk than many other people and taking an anticoagulant can help reduce that risk.

You Cardiologist will weigh up the benefits vs the risks of taking the medication.

[Gilldy]

Hi - I've had a Reveal device fitted which stays in your chest wall for around 2 years constantly monitoring your heart. If it picks up AF I can start anti coagulation then.

[Spartan66 in reply to Gilldy]

Thank you for the information Gilldy can you get this device done under the NHS or has to be done privately I like to know

[CaroleF in reply to Spartan66]

I have a Reveal device inserted under the NHS. I was told the device costs £1,500. I consider myself very fortunate. There are several other Forum users here who have one. I don't recall anyone saying they have had one privately, but I suppose anything is possible if money is no object. There would presumably be additional charges for the tests required before hand, the procedure to insert, the local anaesthetic etc. and then (maybe?) ongoing charges relating to the collection and interpretation of the data transmitted from the device.

I guess it would be worth asking about if the 7 day Holter doesn't catch an episode.

[Gilldy in reply to Spartan66]

I got mine on NHS at calderdale. As I have struggled to take anticoagulants in the past i was reluctant to start again without being sure they were needed.

[CDreamer]

Spartan I would suggest you search through the threads and look for Dr Sanjay Gupta's video on - types of heart monitors. Very, very few NHS cardiologists or EPs in the U.K. will fit a Reveal device - simply because of costs - a lot is explained in the video.

You can also buy your own Kardia monitor - good for picking up AF on your mobile phone - but you have to be able to know when you flip into AF and if you are a symptom it would be difficult.

Even if you have got AF if you are asymptomatic what would you hope to achieve as all treatments are for QOL. If I had asymptomatic AF and was anti-coagulated I wouldn't worry.

As it is I am symptomatic and I still only take anti-coagulation. Treatment is also influenced by expectations so be clear of what you expect. There is no cure, many of the treatments carry serious side effects and even then often don't work long term.

On the other hand - lifestyle changes can make a huge difference and often change your life. Diet, exercise, relaxation as much as drug treatment or ablation will help you manage the condition and some people find having made changes, they never have another episode. Plenty of research to show that this will be future recommendations, actually it already is from my EP.

Address any alcohol/drug issues by very moderate intake and be screened for sleep apnea as they are the 2 big associated antagonizers.

Please go to the AFA website and download the information sheets so you can become informed about the choices your cardiologist may offer you.

Your GP is quite right regarding anti-coagulants as your main risk going in and out of AF is stroke risk - if you want to check your risk score you are able to do the CHADSVASC2 from the link on the AFA site. Anticoagulation is first line treatment, everything else is QOL treatment.

Best wishes

[Spartan66 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you very much for this valuable information CDdreamer and you are right.They are people with symptoms of AFib who are worst off than me.I have gone into diet and exercise since I was diagnosed at the A&E six weeks ago.It was a wake up call for me.I lost 7.2kgs in weight by walking 30 minutes brisk walk 7 days a week in my local park and also gone to low carb mediteranian diet.I am feeling great now though during the first 2 weeks on Rivoraxaban i wasnt feeling good with dizziness until my body got used it.I have also seen Dr Cuptas video in the link u sent me and he is brilliant guy.Take care and God bless 👍

[CDreamer]

Found the link for you - just put 'heart monitors' in the search bar at the very top banner to do see other threads on the subject.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci......