How dangerous is AF and what's the life expectancy??
I am a fit 66 year old and have been unwell for a month. After 24/7 monitor and 9,000 extra beats, my cardio prescribed Metopolol (which does not clear my bad headaches). My episodes come and go but it's lasted all day today.
Thanks, it was a very open question, I know. Other factors do play a part. I will keep myself in the best shape I can and enjoy every moment. Good luck everyone with your health, it's precious.
I am on Metoprolol also but on 1/2 in the am and 1/2 in the evening. I have not had headaches with the afib but the Metoprolol has cut down on the number of episodes I've had. Did you ask the doctor if the headaches were connected with the afib? Hang in there, this is a good place.
Afib doesnt kill you is the saying. More correctly treated controlled afib with anticoagulants doesn't kill you.
So long as it is rate controlled and anticoagulants lifespan should be the same.
If for some reason afib is out of control and medicine or ablations do not work then other issues like heart failure may come along.
Doesn't sound like you are anywhere near that yet. Find an experienced EP and go from there for any treatment needed.
Thank you. Is a thumping heart part of the condition?
you can feel very aware of your heart when in AF- some people don't feel it at all- my first, worst, episode felt like a football match in progress- much quieter now I have omitted all caffeine!!
I felt nor feel now--8 months on-- any thumping. I take Beta Blocker--which I hate and it doesn't like me-- hoping to change when I see Cardiologist next week and thinner-- very weary but get on with life as normal--just a little slower. I have crazy dreams when I manage to sleep- but sleeping is difficult!
In persistent AF, I deal with it.
Beta blockers ruined my life , but I eventually came off them on to Digoxin. Flecanaide prescribed before , started a sleeplessness pattern . This has gone on and on and on.
AF won't kill you but the company it keeps may but properly treated and controlled there is no reason to think it will affect your life expectancy and if you take the opportunity to change your life style it may actually work in your favour.
Many people on being diagnosed cut out things like alcohol, smoking, and general excesses whilst eating a better diet with less junk food . Losing weight even if you are only a few pounds too heavy will all help and there is a view that a more plant based diet with less processed food can be highly beneficial.
In conclusion AF is only dangerous if left untreated so make sure that you are getting the best possible treatment from your medical team. Go to AF Association main website and read all you can so that you can talk with them form a position of some knowledge.
Great advice. This community has been so helpful.
My lifestyle has been a healthy one but I will fine tune it now. I'm putting all the natural techniques into place and as always keeping a check on my anxieties.
I was only diagnosed the day before I flew out from Oz for a six week European holiday. My cardio was ok with that and said to take 1/4 tab of Metopolol if flutters and headaches get worse. They only usually come and go but the last two days fairly constant.
I just sent an email off to my cardio with what's been happening since leaving Oz two weeks ago and I'll follow his recommendations. I may have to cut this trip short. It's unpleasant anyway traveling like this.
You sound very much like I was at your age, (I'm now 77). AF comes and goes. Metoprolol helps keep it under control with Flecainide and a bit extra Metoprolol during events, along with Apixaban. In the last 10 years it has not stopped me travelling extensively and walking at high altitudes. If you don't get breathlessness, chest pain, or swollen ankles....just get on with life! and listen to your cardiologist. We are lucky to live in Oz and have ready access to specialist help. I had an ablation 4 yrs ago and it has reduced the incidence of AF but I don't feel the need to have another go!
Yes we are so lucky to have a great medical system in Oz.
See you on the mountains.
As posted before I know of a lady who had AF for thirty years she died at early 90s
No drugs so her family told me
She was fit and active to that point too
There are many more like her I'm certain
hopefully with monitoring and mayb the odd drug or other interventions we can all enjoy a long and happy lives
i was told mist people over 60s will get af and orescfibed warfrjn or simikar and beta blicjers ir oacemajets my skn if 30 has it had cardio and us fine now
Thanks everyone. Your comments help heaps. I just went for a bike ride in a lovely German village and it makes me feel alive. I will go on with my trip and enjoy life. Thanks again.
I know a man in his 90's that has had AF since his 60's. He takes the medications and has a pacemaker. He also has other major health issues.
I note that you're fit although that can cover running a mile in 7:30 or under to having the flexibility and strength to do a moderate to advanced Pilates or yoga class. From my own experience, fitness and a younger metabolic age does not stave off AF nor are they a cast iron preventative for a stroke. However, anticoagulation, moderate regular exercise, the correct diet and microbiome and, social contact will give you a really good chance to live to a ripe old age with minimal issues.
I'm 62 and have had af for a few years now , I have cut out all caffeine from my diet which helps and eat a healthy diet ..my men's keep it well under control now , just took a few years to find the right ones , ablation and cardio version didn't work .(one week of normal ) I feel fit and healthy at the moment ...live each day as it comes ...if I wake up each morning I'm thankful....
The second article makes for interesting reading, thanks!
Interesting second article except so many people on here including myself, have experiences which appear to go against their conclusions. Example being that I was in my 40s when I developed it. Although I may have exercised too much drank too much etc etc On diagnosis I had structurally sou.d heart was fit had low blood pressure no stretching of left atria no other comorbidities yet still my AF progressed from once every 6 months to being in AF 70%of time by the time I was 55 and before diagnosis I hsd had 3 TIAs. Maybe I am just an unusual case but Im sure I have read plenty of others the same as me. It would however be lovely if that report were to be accurate for the majority. X
After watching Joe Cross' movie, "Fat, Sick , and Nearly Dead", I have started a 10 day juice diet. I will let you know how I go.
I am also very spiritual and I am focused on the 'Now' (where everything happens).
Icare2 said Quote ''I have started a 10 day juice diet. I will let you know how I go''.
Hello Icare 
I am afraid I am not a fan of 'diets' many encourage your body to think there is a famine so when the diet stops on goes the weight+ .Some limited diets also deprive your body of essential nutrients and that is the last thing an AF body needs..
A better approach is lifestyle modification including eating well and in moderation and it needs to be a permanent change..
Example here on the AF website...
careaf.org/topics/healthy-l...
Yes , I would definitely say that lifestyle changes are needed and how you absorb nutrients is extremely important. My diet and lifestyle are in good shape, but as John-Boy said, 'From my own experience, fitness and a younger metabolic age does not stave off AF nor are they a cast iron preventative for a stroke.'
I have prided myself on healthy living and a loving, compassionate and mindful awareness, so I am a bit saddened that I have AF now. (Emotions and suffering, like AF, are all part of the acceptance of the present moment). What I am writing is only the tip of the iceberg.
AF and all other health and environmental issues are on the increase. We need to make better choices. Awareness and suffering will guide you in those choices.
I am putting put my details here so people can make their own choices about diets, according to their lifestyle.
My weight is good (my BMI is around 22). My usual diet is around 60% fresh produce. I have good relationships and feel blessed with what I have. I exercise most days (bike, swimming and stretching). I write books on, and teach mindfulness and meditation.
Yes many diets cause the body to go into 'Famine' mood and if you do not look at the whole picture (mind, body and soul) and become emotionally aware around your choices, then you will go back to the old ways.
I am trying the Juice Diet as a way of cleansing my body. I feel the need to try something different as my usual healthy lifestyle needs fine tuning.
The beauty of acceptance and focusing on the 'moment', is that you stay calm and give your body every chance to heal. Some people do this naturally. If the body does not heal then you have lived a full life in the present, without the stress and worry. (I may get on top of my AF and be struck by lightning the next day).
I will say that my attention wonders a bit (total presence is only achieved by a few), but my inner observing awareness always re-directs me.
''Life expectancy with AF''
I had a conversation about the progression of PAF to AF and life expectancy with a Doctor this morning who was of the opinion that many AFibbers shocked by the diagnosis look after themselves better than many in the general population so life expectancy can be no worse if not better than none AFibbers
ICARE2 I divert my attention by gardening , I have just purchased 60 leeks to add to the 60 already growing. That's a lot of healthy leek soup for 1 small person .....
Leek soup, yum
The headaches are not fun. If your doctor says it's ok to take an aspirin a day, do it, but make it an exedrin if you can. They have 250 mg of aspirin in them. On headache days I sometimes take two, one in the morning and one at night. Chew them up if you can, and wash it down with a good amount of water. They work MUCH faster that way. I actually don't mind the taste at all! A few people have thanked me for the suggestion. It really does work.😎👍
Hi icare how are you I am 56 just had my oblation done 2 month ago and I 2 is wondering about my life span.I was diagnosed 1 year ago.so far I am feeling ok I am hoping to live long, you take care.
Hi, I am back home now and will see cardio asap. (He wanted to see me two weeks after I left, a bit tricky when you are on the other side of the world)
Feeling ok after four days of strong symptoms (that's why I came home).
I needed to be home because I want to try all my tools, services and natural techniques before I go with anything else.
It's sad leaving all my holiday plans behind, but traveling just became very unpleasant. I'll get a regime going and we'll be back on the road again.
Just on the other side of our fears, is our dreams.
An update for anyone following this post.
I saw a Reflexologist and he confirmed my belief that my condition is a spiritual and emotional one. Of course there are physical considerations involved and I will see my cardio next week but I have a clearer direction now. I will write a detailed blog in the next few days
Here is a brief overview:
The soul's journey and wasted wisdom
Inner awareness and listening
Adrenaline imbalance and the reasons why
Why facing our fears is so important
Trusting
See you soon, love Steve.
I have just received a bit of a reprieve. I took myself off to hospital twice on the weekend with symptoms getting much worse. My test came back ok and on the last visit the doctor decided to give me something for reflux. Within a few minute I felt better. Whats happening with me, time will tell. Cardiologist today and gastroenterologist next month. There is probably a post somewhere in this community, but if you have not already, look into your gut issues as well.
The brain/heart/gut relationship may never be understood but the relationship you have with yourself is an exciting evolving foundation to fully embrace.
Here is a blog you may like. stephenconnor.org/self-heal...
Hi folks, I have been given a reprieve. I do not have a heart condition. My symptoms continued to get worse because of a long standing low sodium problem I have had since 2011. Low sodium levels can throw a lot of things out in your body, including heart rhythms. I have cut back my total fluid levels to only 500mls the last few days and I feel well again. I am having test to determine why I can only absorb such low fluid levels.
Good luck with your health, it's precious. Steve.
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AF back in my life
The Upsets We Have in Life & AF
