New to AFib

[Brothe9]

Was recently diagnosed with AFib with rvr 3 months ago. Was very symptomatic for a first episode short on breath, confused felt like I was going to faint. Heart rate was 180 and blood pressure was 170/98. Was in AFib for the whole day in the hospital before being sent home went back yo NSR over night. I've had two more episodes pretty similar since. Been put on atenolol-chlorthalidone and it has helped control pretty much all the sever symptoms. Been a stress full 3 months. Anyone else with a similar tale? Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

AF is a long journey I'm afraid but you have some great travelling companions here who can help you find your way. First job for you is to get a map. Go to AF Association website and read till you drop as knowledge is power and power to quell fear.

You don't say if you have been assessed for anticoagulation or even if you have seen a cardiologist which concerns me. Atenolol is quite an old drug these days and unusual to see it prescribed. Who is treating you?

[Brothe9 in reply to BobD]

Yes I have a cardiologist. I see almost monthly. I am only taking asprin since my CHAD score is at a 0 so far. I haven't been back in AFib since June. I seem to only go in AFib when my RVR goes for awhile. Since the atenolol-chlorthalidone seems to slow it down during start up it has always stopped the AFib. But it usually trys to kick in every two weeks or so.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Brothe9]

I'm sure that you know that here in UK aspirin is no longer used for stroke prevention in AF as it does very little at the risjk of causing internal bleeding.

[doodle68]

Hello Brothe 9 welcome . Many of us share a similar experience to your own.

AF is a very scary experience when you first have an episode and I think it is made worse by fear and anxiety which can push up the blood pressure and make the breathlessness worse.

I have Paroxismal AF , the kind that comes and goes and my long episodes are very symptomatic too and similar to your own . It helps considerably if you can control your anxiety , learning breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help with this.

This is a link to the information Bob mentioned...

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

....Read all you can on the subject and remember you not alone

[Brothe9 in reply to doodle68]

Thanks it helps not knowing I could drop dead at any moment. I spent days stressed and stayed in the house ready to give up on life. Knowing this makes it a little less scary.