Hi all...I been AF since last Saturday (6 Days) decided today I would see my doctor, reluctantly he sent me up to the hospital, when I got to the hospital I had drifted out of AF. The hospital said it looks like I was drifting out and in of AF ,so I asked him to refer me to cardiology he said my doctor would have to refer me. My doctor gives me the impression drifting out and in of AF is normal and I just have to live with it. As I am not up to speed on AF ,could any fellow readers tell me is this the normal or should I demand my doctor refer me as I feel a change medication could help
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Hazbil65
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"Drifting in and out of AF" is perfectly 'normal'. It's the very definition of paroxysmal AF = it comes and goes. However an episode lasting 6 days sounds more like persistent AF to me. Off the top of my head though I'm not sure what the official definition of persistent AF is. What I do know is that AF is/very often is a condition that develops over time so that paroxysmal AF can morph into persistent AF which can then become permanent.
As far as your medication is concerned I think GPs are quite often reluctant to change it without the say-so of a consultant cardiologist. You could try stamping your foot (metaphorically) and insist that you are referred. Alternatively, if this is feasible for you, you could see an EP (electrophysiologist = specialist in heart arrhythmias) privately to get a well-informed opinion about your condition. Be aware though that the charge for any tests (eg ECG, echocardiogram, holter monitor) will be on top of the consultation fee.
In the meantime … I wonder if you have read the excellent information for patients on the AF Association website here:
It's one of the best ways I know to get 'up to speed' about the condition. Plus ….. the better informed you are, the better you are able to fight your own corner.
Hi & welcome. Knowledge is certainly power. You don’t say which meds you are taking and i wonder if you have been assessed for anti-coagulation?
The link Carole has suggested will give your lots of info and i do hope it helps. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
I also have to say I am stunned at your GP’s attitude and wonder at his understanding of AF or its treatment and maybe he could also benefit from the AFA information sheets.
Know there is a lot of knowledge, help & support here.
If you are at the 'drifting in and out' stage you might find some determined lifestyle changes may help. Get an active walking exercise pattern going, bin the drink and the coffee,, lose weight if you are outside your bmi and have a good look at your diet?
I wonder if knowing exactly what your heart is doing would be useful to you? You no doubt are familiar with the 12 lead ECG they use at a hospital, or even carry in ambulances, but did you know you can own your own 2 lead ECG for about £100, together with a smart phone or tablet (Android or iOS)? If you can afford it, a Kardia device might help you get to grips with what is happening. The recordings can also be saved for showing to the doctors, and they seem to respect them.
What are your symptoms in AF? Do you have a fast heart rate?
Did your GP send you to A&E?
It is my experience from my local hospital ( which is pretty good to others in have read about) that they will not do much if you are low hr and are already being treated.
However high hr 130 plus, they will act to reduce it. In those circumstances they have always done some thing about it to try to reduce the rate, and if it did not reduce during the 4 hour a&e target they have admitted me to the MAU.
If you get it again and it is high rate I would go back to A&E and demand they try to reduce your rate, meanwhile see your GP urgently, if he/she has already sent you to hospital then it would seem they are already in agreement in wants sorting.
This is not the way to be treated. Ask to be referred to an EP, electrophysiologist who specialises in arrhythmias. Insist.
Are you on an anticoagulant. It’s first priority as you need stroke protection. I changed GPS when they dragged their feet so get armed with information and push for proper treatment.
Seven days is the definition of persistent AF and you are almost there. One article that I read stated that patients that go into AF for three days or more will develop persistent AF in one year. Your GP sounds as if he has limited knowledge of AF, so insist on being referred to an electrophysiologist now before your condition worsens and it will without the proper attention.
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