AF how frequent are attacks

[Rev-Issy]

I take my meds as prescribed but I still get attacks is that usual or should I go visit my GP?

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

If the only person who is managing your AFib is your GP I would ask for a referral to see an electrophysiologist (EP) as they are the experts at helping to give you an AFib free life or at least lessening the number or severity of episodes. The meds are very much trial and error and if your combo is not working for you, it may be time to try something else. So yes, start with the visit to your GP and pursue further treatment.

[sann in reply to SRMGrandma]

Hi there SRM Grandma, long time no speak. Do you know it's a year since I had the hysterectomy, thanks to you and your talking to me. Felt fine after it all but have had a big problem since, to cut a long story short I have gone blind in one eye May this year, had what was called a crvo -- occlusion I believe it is called, they are still trying to find out what caused it. They are still trying to find out how hat caused it.Am on anti coats. So will have to wait and see I know I am more frightened now about other eye. So much for me how are you and your family doing these days,hope you are all well. You gave me your e mail addy, but somehow I lost it ,so here is mine. It is [e-mail] I would like to keep in touch with you as you mean and done a lot for me, I value your kindness and your friendship. Take care and love to all Sann xx

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to sann]

So good to hear from you, but sorry to hear of your worry with your eyes. I'll email you soon! xoxo

[pottypete1]

Yes it is common. For some the Meds totally controls their AF for others, like me for example, they only have a partial effect.

I agree with SRMGrandma you need to get a referral to a Cardiologist who is an EP who specialises in rhythm of the heart.

Pete

[BobD Volunteer]

Agree as above. GPs are seldom fully trained on AF nor in fact are many cardiologists so best see and expert.

[momist]

From reading on here for several weeks now, I don't think there is an answer to "how often". Everybody seems to be different. Nearly everybody says that alcohol must be avoided, but my two events were not triggered by alcohol, and I've had drinking sessions in between with no ill effects. Triggers seem to be discussed a lot, but there are no definitive answers there either.

Yes, ask for a referral to an expert.

[Terim in reply to momist]

Mine was triggered by alcohol but sometimes the episodes would come a week later ..... my cardiologist said that could happen ?? I always thought it would happen right away ?? I just gave it up completely

[momist in reply to Terim]

Well Terim, I don't see how that can happen, but if it works for you - well done. I've had several drinking sessions (including two beer festivals) which did not trigger my AF, and then had an attack after only a glass of wine followed by a gin. Maybe it's what you drink? I don't know.

[Terim in reply to momist]

That's awesome that you can drink beer !! I wish I could , yes you could be right about maybe it's what you drink .... I know wine for me was really bad

[MarkS]

I would say only 25-30% of AF is controlled by drugs. Lifestyle changes have a greater impact.

[Rellim296]

Hello and welcome.

If you want to slap AF on the wrist, do see your GP as you may not be taking a sufficiently hefty dose. Do ask for referral though as the drugs a GP can prescribe may not be powerful enough. The route varies and can be GP to cardiologist to EP or GP direct to EP.

(Some in the UK prefer to dip a hand in the pocket and get a private and swift appointment with an EP and then rejoin the NHS.)

AF tends to progress and in time medication will cease to control.

EPs offer ablations as well as knowing more about AF than cardiologists do and you may be offered that route as an alternative to medication.

Ablation is a path that many of us have taken with varying success. If you (or your GP or cardiologist) feel it may not be for you don't let that prevent you from the benefit of the expert opinion an EP can offer on the mediation front.

[teach2learn]

Hie thee sooner than later to an EP! The longer AF goes not properly treated, the less likely of complete help for it. Medications are only a stopgap measure anyway, unless ablation is contraindicated. At least that's what I've gathered from my own experience and years of reading others'.

[Rev-Issy in reply to teach2learn]

Thank you

[Rev-Issy]

What is an EP?

[Terim in reply to Rev-Issy]

A cardiologist that specializes in the electrical part of your heart ...... electrophysologist

[Rev-Issy in reply to Terim]

Thank you I have never heard of one such job

[Rev-Issy]

Thank you very much I greatly appreciate your reply

[kcamarlo123]

I take meds and have a lot of triggers, PMS, alcohol, chocolate. I am learning how to manage it.