Newbie

[TommoHFC]

Being new to AF I have a question.

Is there a time or a point when you need to go to A+ E ?

[BobD Volunteer]

If you have chest pain or are fainting then go. If your heart rate is over 200 for more than an hour or so yes. Otherwise they are unlikely to do much other than monitor you. AF is a chronic condition not an Accident or Emergency. and should be treated by your cardiologist or electrophysiologist. As you gain knwledge and experience you will be able to manage things a lot better. Panic and fear are common with this condition and onoy exacerbate it.

[TommoHFC in reply to BobD]

Thank BobD and Hoski.

I will bear your comments in mind.

The last AF episode I had was about 60 hrs......?

[Hidden]

That varies from doctor to doctor. I have PAF and fortunately have only had episodes a couple times a year and they were all under 12 hours and stopped with my medication. So my doc says come to ER if I’m having chest pain and/or feeling short of breath. Happily, in 3 yr I have managed here at home. But your doc may give you a different answer.

[benmaise]

My doctor said only go if i have any pain. I was diagnosed at the A and E when my heart was racing like mad. I did thnk i would have AF as my sister had it. I have never needed to go back. That was 18 month ago.

[Cat04]

I attended my GP with AF and after an ECG she called an emergency ambulance to take me to hospital where I was admitted. Go to your GP who can make the decision for you.

[jondeanp]

What are people's thoughts on going to A&E at the initial onset of AF, when you know that your episodes are always persistent and need intervention to return to NSR.

I went to A&E at the outset of an episode, after previously waiting for 6 months while in AF, due to warfarin and INR tests. I was seen by a triage doc, who confirmed i was in AF and was going to refer me to the cardiology dept (ie request an appointment be made).

I pointed out that my AF had only just started in the previous 12 hours and asked if i could be cardioverted there and then, before the need to be anticoagulated.

He went away to discuss it and agreed to admit me into a bay in A&E where i was successfully cardioverted with flecainide

For info, my next episode happened while i was abroad and with PiP flecainide to hand. The flecainide didn't work this time (as it turned out my AF had turned to flutter). I then waited nearly 18 months, with persistent flutter, before i had a successful flutter ablation

[TommoHFC]

I don't want to sound stupid but what's the difference between AF and flutter. ?

[Hidden in reply to TommoHFC]

drjohnm.org/2013/08/atrial-...

Dr John Mandrola writes an interesting and sometimes controversial blog.