Terrified of AFIB

[Chayah]

Does anyone else suffer from extreme anxiety due to AFIB? When I have an attack I usually go to the ER, after I can't leave the house for days or weeks at a time suffer from extreme depression. I'm 72 years old.

Sincerely

Chayah

[sportscoach]

Your most certainly not on your own here I took part in a survey concerning the psychological impact of this condition it appears from speaking to some of the researchers anxiety, depression etc is a huge problem for many people with this condition seriously affecting their daily life, a lot of doctors do not appreciate or recognise the mental impact these long term conditions have on people’s life’s.

The survey I took part in was conducted by the EP in the hospital where I was treated the next time I catch up with him I will ask him for the outcomes of the survey.

One of the symptoms of simple beign palpitations is a feeling of impending doom which is widely recognised by the medical profession therefore is it surprising that people get extreme anxiety with their heart bouncing around for hours in their chest.

I understand that some of these long term conditions .....diabetes etc they are now being looked at with the mental issues being addressed as it has been acknowledged they will greatly help the long term management/recovery of the condition.

[pottypete1]

No you are not alone.

I haven’t been in AF for some months but the thought of it coming back fills me with anxiety.

When I have suffered it I go into panic mode with the terrible fear that it may not go away.

Right now in normal NSR I am having ectopics and that too makes me worry.

On the other side my logical brain keeps telling me that in all the many years AF has haunted me my heart has always returned to NSR albeit sometimes it needed a kick with a cardioversion.

To repeat many of us on this forum feel that anxiety. You are definitely not alone here.

Pete

[Ottis in reply to pottypete1]

Ectopics when you say this do you mean palpitations x

[pottypete1 in reply to Ottis]

Sorry just posted my reply to Chayah by mistake.

See the thread for my reply

Pete

[pottypete1]

Yes an ectopics are for me a combination of missed and extra beats. I feel it each time and the feeling is similar but not the same as a palpitation the experienced with AF.

Apparently all people have them but not necessarily so much and many don’t even feel them.

They can lead to AF sometimes but by no means every time.

Most of the time they are really nothing to worry about but sadly many of us do just that.

Worry is one of the many side effects of this awful condition.

Pete

[CDreamer]

Hi Chaya and welcome.

I recently gave a talk at our AF local support group and posted the notes - you may find them here,

For information I polled the members here because AF related anxiety is such a frequent post,

The 2 therapies I suggest are CBT - for worry thoughts and Mindfulness for the physical symptoms. These along with things like exercise, taking back a sense of control, breathing exercises, yoga, Tai-Chi, Walking etc have really helped people live well with AF.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

I hope this may help.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to CDreamer]

The link is just fascinating CD - well done you, I think I'll be printing this out to keep. Can't think how I missed this when it was first posted.

Driving home from anywhere, on a route I'm not familiar with, which is a distance from my home makes me so anxious now that I absolutely avoid it. Driving there is fine, but coming home I end up like a coiled spring, my face turns bright red and burns and I feel extremely stressed. This has only happened over the last few years.

Actually thinking about it now I feel like I'm in a race coming home.

Jean

[pottypete1 in reply to CDreamer]

I too missed your report on your talk the first time I am so glad you have made the link available.

Your notes are really helpful and like Jean I shall print them off for future reference.

Despite now experiencing my longest ever AF free period since it first started I still feel anxious when I get ectopics.

Thanks again.

Pete

[JaneFinn in reply to CDreamer]

I missed it too!! Just read it now - it’s fantastic. Like Jean Jeannie I’ll be keeping it for reference. Thanks, CDreamer x

[doodle68]

Hello

Chayah I used to get extremely anxious because my symptoms are often severe during attacks of AF and I live alone right out in the countryside.

I have never been to A&E , I don't have chest pain so sit it out at home. The last thing I need during an attack is the stress of trying to speak to call an ambulance and laying on a trolley in A&E for hours surrounded by lots of noise and people.

I have learnt the best course of action for me during an episode of AF is to try to stay calm, use slow deep breathing and try to distract from my symptoms with the radio.

If the episode caused chest pain, I fainted or the episode lasted for days I would go to A&E.

[Tessybear]

Hello Chaya. I have had the same degree of anxiety over AF episodes. At first the anxiety completely took over my life, but as time has gone by , although I get very anxious when I start thinking about it or get palpitations, I most of the time manage to put it out of my mind. Even so, not a day goes by when I don’t have worry or anxiety about it at some point . I have found counselling very helpful- just talking to someone about it all.

I had an ablation over two years ago with no recurrence as yet, but the fear of it happening again is enough to trigger anxiety. So I completely understand what you are going through. It would be great if there was some kind of dedicated service for AF anxiety sufferers!

All I can say is try to steer clear of any AF triggers that you know of, live a healthy lifestyle, follow the advice of those treating your AF and try to relax and stop worrying. Easier said than done I know.

There is an app I use called ‘headspace’ that may help you to relax and develop ways of overcoming the anxiety causing thoughts. Worth a try.

I wish you well.

[Chayah in reply to Tessybear]

Thank you so much Tessybear, I appreciate your comments so much.