Hi all

[henryp]

This is my first post after looking in for a couple of weeks or so.

So yesterday it was officially confirmed to me that I have AF and a plan for initial treatment was discussed. The specialist thinks that a cardio diversion is worth attempting although I have read that this procedure is most successful in the very early stages of AF and I have probably passed that 'early' stage a while back. I'm to come off of aspirin and go on to one of the newer anti coagulants for four to six weeks before the procedure.

Anybody had success with a cardio diversion and is there anything to look out for when taking the new blood thinners? I know that if you have a blow to the head you're supposed to get checked out in case of an internal bleed.

I must admit that I was hoping my symptoms were something to do with taking bisprolol for eleven years and a drug change would stop me feeling tired all of the time, but apparently not.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing of others experiences with the procedure described above.

Cheers

[Hidden]

Hi Henry, it sounds as though you are getting some good medical advice! Many have had a CV (cardioversion) me included and although it may sound scary, it's not normally an issue. If you are in persistent AF, it will determine whether or not your heart can be reverted back into rhythm. It is not normally seen as a cure but it is a good indicator for the medics to determine further treatment plans. As far as anticoagulants., most of us are concerned about the effects of bangs and scrapes, but in reality most of us have few problems. That said, any bang to the head or unusual fall should be treated with caution. The good thing is that you seem to be getting good medical advice ...

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Henry, cardioversion will assess if you are able to be put back into normal sinus rhythm (NSR) which should guide the way forward for your treatment. It is not a cure for AF but if you do go back into NSR and feel better for it then other options may be considered. Anticoagulants do not thin blood so you are not likely to bleed for no reason but they slow down the clotting process so any injury may take slightly longer to stop bleeding. Aspirin actually has more potential to cause harm whilst not doing anything for stroke prevention which is important if you have AF. Depending on your age and other issues you may now have to now stay on anticogulation for life.

May I suggests that you read all the fact sheets and booklets about AF on our AF Association website to hep you understand this complex and mongrel condition and of course ask any question here and somebody should be able to answer it.

[henryp in reply to BobD]

Thanks for the responses, very helpful, and at the very least I have learnt that it is 'cardioversion' and not 'cardiodiversion'

[Hidden]

Henry..you are correct in thinking that cardioversions are more successful when performed in the very early stages of AF. As mentioned by others they do provide important information for your cardio regarding whether or not you can be put back into normal rhythm..NSR

They are nothing to be too worried about although I confess that I did find them a big deal in the beginning. I've now had at least 17 all done within 48 hours as ' emergencies ' as opposed to elective where you go on waiting list and ensure that you are well anticoagulated . Most of mine have lasted a reasonable length of time....one 4/5 years. I'm just over 2 months since my last.

Sandra

[AmigoAndy in reply to Hidden]

Hidden Are you based in the UK?... Just wondering whether the CV's you've had as 'emergencies' were in (NHS) A&E departments, presumably after you presented with (quite severe) symptoms of a new onset AF episode? And are you permanently on anti-coagulation meds?

[Hidden in reply to AmigoAndy]

AmigoAndy Yes I'm in the UK. My dc cardioversions were performed either in CCU or theatre ante room...once in A&E itself. All NHS of course.This was after I had presented with symptomatic fast AF which had shown itself historically to be refractory to chemical cardioversion.

I've been on warfarin for about 14 years ....no problem. I self test. Must admit to being tempted by the NOAC s but it's really a case of " if it ain't broke etc etc!! ". I'm on anticoagulants permanently and wouldn't want it any other way....even if I had a choice.

Sandra

[Hidden]

My first cardioversion lasted 6 months, the second 3 months and the following 2 lasted 6 weeks. I've had an ablation now and fingers crossed for that.

If you convert to nsr after a cardioversion it's a good indicator that you are suitable for an ablation. And if you are anything like me , even a few weeks of NSR is better than being in AF .

As has been said before, they are not as scary as they sound, and after the first one I welcomed it

[teach2learn]

After my af had progressed rather rapidly from paroxysmal to permanent, a cardioversion was attempted and didn't work at all. Rather than keep trying those, I went straight to ablation and have been very glad I did. Each case, (and skill of EP), is unique, but listen to your instincts when the choice is given, and you'll do just fine.