Do I need a referral to an EP

[patchworkcat]

I am 49 from UK. I have had paroxysmal lone AF for 7 years, only 3 events in this time the last one being yesterday. I have converted within 48 hours with Amiodarone drip and and was taking 3.75 mg of Nebivolol per day . After my last event the registrar ( I have a different consultant every time) has changed me to 2.5 mg Bisoprolol and 5 mg x 2 Apixaban. Do I need a referral to a specialist EP in the next city or is that excessive?

[Hidden]

I think the answer is YES! It sounds like you are well informed about AF so I'm sure you know that it's only EP's who have the depth of knowledge necessary to determine a treatment plan tailor made for you. In not qualified medically, but as I understand it, your profile may make you an ideal candidate for an ablation should that be the route you wish to take. The longer you leave it, you may find the number of episodes increase and eventually you become persistent and that's when successful treatments can become more difficult. I suggest you do some research to find a good EP as near to you as possible and then ask to be referred by your current medical team or via your GP. In my case, I saw an EP privately and then was treated by the NHS. Apart from establishing contact with the EP, it does not, nor should it, shorten treatment times, but it does help to get the ball rolling. Hope this helps, John

[patchworkcat in reply to Hidden]

Just to clarify are EP's the AF specialists even if you decide it is a bit early for an ablation ?

[Hidden in reply to patchworkcat]

Yes, whilst it is likely they will be pro ablation where it is suitable, they are also best placed to consider the alternatives, but it does depend on the individual, if you know what I mean!!

[meadfoot]

Yes see an EP of your choice and get the best advice and treatment plan underway. Be well.

[cbsrbpm]

I would definitely see an EP if I was you. I was 55 when I started getting AF episodes that would last between 2-6 hours once or twice a year. I was refered to a cardiologist who saw me every 6 months then once a year this went on for 10 or so years then they started to get more frequent and lasted longer then bang one day it went into persistent AF I was not referred to an EP or offered a ablation until this happened so it has been very difficult for them to ablate, I have had 3 ablations now. AF is progressive whatever we like to think. Good luck.

Brenda🐝

[Mike11]

Changing from nebivolol to bisoprolol is a backward step. Your consultant obviously isn't up to speed on AF. See ANYONE else !!!