Newly diagnosed with AF, and puzzled!

[Overweight11]

Very recently diagnosed, and with an ICD implanted 10 weeks ago. Not complaining, but I was totally assymptomatic previously, and still now. Is this normal? TIA.

[CDreamer]

Hi and welcome to our forum. Yes, many people are completely asymptomatic and therein lies the danger because the main risk is from increased risk of stroke.

May I ask why the ICD was implanted as this is not a normal treatment for lone AF. I am assuming you have some complexities?

[Overweight11 in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CD. Yes,well asked. I have pulmonary sarcoidosis, now spread to the heart and already with the risk of sudden cardiac death. (Diabetes T2 also). Hopefully, Apixaban will help; I asked to change from Rivaroxaban, as I read (here, I think) that that particular NOAC was not to be used with non-valvular aortic stenosis (yes, I have that too).

I should add that I am most grateful for all the knowledgeable support on this forum.

[BobD Volunteer]

As a leading EP told another of our members--- "Lucky Bugger! " I'm sure there are plenty of members who would kill to be asymptomatic but this is far form uncommon and one of the leading reasons for strokes. I'm sure you will know that AF increases stroke risk by a factor of five and it is the many thousands of asymptomatic people in UK alone who are at risk unless their AF is found in routine check ups. This is one of the reasons we promote "Know your Pulse" events from time to time.

I do hope that you are now properly anticoagulated but as CDreamer has questioned an ICD is not normal treatment for AF so presumably you have other cardiac problems.

AF Association have a great number of fact sheets and booklets about tghe condition if you would like to visit the website

[Overweight11 in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD.