Need advice plz

[lindseylight]

Hi i wondered if anyone can give me some advice re: my 58 yr old dad and his situation. He was diagnosed with AF at least 3 yrs ago. Following routine investigations (i think echo and 24 hr tape) he was told he had idiopathic AF. He was prescribed daily aspirin and beta blocker (currently Solatol 80mg twice a day) and has since never seen a cardiologist. He used to get an AF episode every 10days or so which could last several hours, even most the day. More recently these episodes have been more frequent and longer lasting (this week he has had 2 episodes lasting most of the day). His GP has now advised that if he gets an episode he should take 2 Solatols which apparently reduce the length of the episode.

I'm extremely concerned as it doesn't sit right with me that he isn't followed up and working in Stroke Rehab myself i am aware of the potential risks AF poses.

Can anyone give any advice/experience similiar to my dad's situation? My dad is extremely stubborn and doesn't go to the GP easily.

Thanks

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi lindseylight

Firstly welcome, at least to the forum, if not to the weird and strange world of us AF sufferers.

Well done for broadening your knowledge as well, even if you work in stroke ( and therefore know all about the AF risks) the people here will tell you what it's really like.

Your dad needs to see a specialist, preferably an EP (Electrophysiologist) not a cardiologist. The EP is the electrician to the plumber of a cardiologist.

Your GP sounds clued up, but can never really understand all the implications of a specialism such as AF.

The aspirin is not actually reducing the stroke risk as I am sure you know, but if he has done a CHADS2Vasc score and it's zero (which it might be at 58) then they will not usually recommend a proper anti coagulant. It depends if he has any other risk factors.

I know all about stubborn believe me, nearly 12 years without seeing a doctor saying "I'm fine" the breathlessness is me getting old, or even when told I had an irregular heartbeat.... Yep I'll worry about that later. But your Dad is getting episodes, and they could get more frequent or more intense without treatment, I was almost symptomless. What worked for me? and obviously might not apply to everyone was the thought of my children suffering, so perhaps gently play that card to him about how he is worrying you to get him treatment.

He will probably need to go on more regular medication, and perhaps even consider an ablation, they are getting better and more effective every year, but let me also reassure you he has many years in front of him, AF seldom is fatal except for the stroke risk. And of course lifestyle factors are important, weight, diet and regular gentle exercise all help to reduce symptoms

Well done again, you are obviously a great daughter, so go persuade him to see a specialist do what you did when you were 12 and could wrap him round your little finger

Be well, and good luck

Ian

[jeanjeannie50]

It doesn't sound like the Sotalol are doing much for your dad if his episodes have become more frequent. I would get him to perhaps see another doctor at his surgery and ask to try something different. Jean

[pottypete1]

I can't add any more than the excellent replies above which comprehensively address your dad's situation.

In summary:

See an EP

Discuss anticoagulants

Discuss Sotalol

Pete

[Hidden]

Your Dad should be referred to an EP to discuss this matter as advised and very suprising he hasn't. And when he goes try and go with him as I also think going with someone is a good idea.

[secondtry]

Hi Lindsey, there's quite a lot of info to take in on any form of AF.

The good news it is idiopathic or 'Lone' AF, so the heart should be in good condition. My suggestion is pay privately if you can for a prompt cardiologist visit first and discuss a drug called Flecainide (old, tried and tested as OK as any drug can be for Lone AF).

Then spend some time on this Forum searching under Lifestyle and Supplements to learn as much as you can before presenting your Dad with a summarised version he is prepared to listen to.

Good luck and a lucky Dad to have such a caring daughter!!

[CDreamer]

I haven't much to add to the excellent replies above apart from showing your Dad these replies and emphasizing that he needs to see a doctor who knows what he is dealing with as neither aspirin nor Sotolol are helpful or recommended by NICE for AF.

If your Dad is stubborn, I think you need to be determined! Ask him to come and see the devastation a stroke, especially an AF one can wreak.

Best wishes CD.

[Maggimunro]

Echo all the above but see an EP just as soon as he can.

[lindseylight]

Thank you all for your responses, it's been really useful and informative. Now i've got to sit him down for a chat :s