Asymptotic AF

[Kernowman]

Hi Jean Jeannie

I've never had Cardioversion or Ablation. I was scheduled for cardioversion about eight years ago, but then my heart decided to go back into sinus rhythm. The procedure was then cancelled.

I have a permanent AF, but my symptoms are asymptomatic, and don't have many of the symptoms that others have when either eating or doing something that brings on an AF condition.

I have pondered over surgery i.e. ablation but as you say, there are some on this readership that have had up to five ablations and are still no nearer a cure.

I sometimes wonder if ablation would be a choice for me, but then I think is my condition being managed at this time, and would it necessarily improve my situation? Yes, I would like to go back into sinus rhythm, but after eight years, perhaps my heart would have re-modelled itself, and would I really see any improvements from my position today! I feel that I have a dilemma as being asymptomatic, I am able to enjoy the many things that others on this readership have been denied.

For example, I still can walk for at least 6 miles, and can even jog along if I so want.

However, still the question arises, should I seek further treatment?

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Kernowman

It sounds as though you are coping really well with your AF. I know that if I were you I wouldn't consider an ablation.

People forget that the scar tissue that forms in the heart after one can also cause problems. I've been told that my heart is probably a bit stiff now because of the ones I've had, hence it can stay in AF or normal rhythm for longer periods.

What medication are you taking?

Jean

[Ianc2]

I am in a similar situation and I have a suspicion that my diet affects/causes any random events. Do you have any triggers that you can identify? Do you drink? are you inside your BMI? coffee? Sugar? Wheat? processed foods?

Ian

[dedeottie]

I would say to leave well alone. There are risks with ablation not least that your AF could be worse. I have had an ablation because my quality of life was dire and medication had stopped working. I count it as successful as a reduced amount of the same medication is now holding AF at bay. If I didnt have any symptoms with AF I definitely would not consider an ablation unless an EP gave me a really good reason wjy I should. X

[Thom7]

I also have persistent AF but have not suffered with the palpatations or breathlessness. However I did have a feeling of slight dizziness when rising from a sitting position. I had an ablation in January and this cured A flutter but A fibrillation remains. My EP advised to leave things alone as my symptoms were not affecting my quality of life and he reduced my daily dosage of Verapamil from 240mg to 120mg. My echocardiogram was good and I am on Warfarin. Lately I have had a few episodes of light headiness and I wondered if any one else has had these symptoms.x

[Dadog]

It's all to do with management. I don't believe there is a 'cure' at this time; but simply ways of managing our AF with either drugs, cardioversion or ablation - or a combination of any of those. If you are in normal sinus rhythm, you are not 'atrial fibrillating' and for me anyway, it was a case of waiting, anticoagulating and seeing how long the NSR will last.

We are all different and need to individually monitor ourselves and together with our specialists, be proactive and positive on this puzzling old journey.