Heart disease?

[stix]

Had fast AF since 2013 no health professionals have ever told me I have Heart Disease but a recent visit to a physio he was going through my medical records and said oh you have heart disease, I replied not to my knowledge.

Then at the weekend got a copy of a letter from Rheumatology to my Doctor and it lists I have heart disease, so it looks like I have got it.

So my question is does AF automatically qualify you to have Heart Disease or is it a result of having AF that has caused the Heart Disease?

[BobD Volunteer]

I think one has to define heart disease. AF is an arrhythmia or heart rhythm disorder not a disease in my view but a condition.

I think to most people heart disease conjours up blocked arteries or muscle damage and for most people AF is not this. In fact many people have no concurrent heart issues with their AF which is often shown by a completely normal echocardiogram and in most cases normal angriogram of the coronary arteries. If the tests you should have had show no problems in these respects then lucky you.

[stix in reply to BobD]

It on the letter actually sais “Atrial Fibrillation (Ischemic Heart Disease)” not really sure what’s going on any more

[BobD Volunteer in reply to stix]

You need to discuss with your doctors then as that is quite clear. AF is not ischemic heart disease so either they have messed up or you have both.

[Vonnieruth in reply to stix]

When arteries are narrowed, less blood and oxygen reaches the heart muscle. This is also called coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease. This can ultimately lead to heart attack. Ischemia often causes chest pain or discomfort known as angina pectoris.

[etheral in reply to stix]

Ischemic heart disease usually means reduced circulation to the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. The afib can be secondary to this. Returning to NSR can increase cardiac output and reduce the ischemia.

[CDreamer]

If in doubt about a diagnosis - go look up the precise word and it’s medical meaning -

Ischemia = Ischemia or ischaemia is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen that is needed for cellular metabolism (to keep tissue alive). Ischemia is generally caused by problems with blood vessels, with resultant damage to or dysfunction of tissue.

My concern would be that no-one has talked to you about this directly and what it means or given advice as to possible treatments or lifestyle changes you could make. To find out through a third party reading your medical notes is not acceptable IMHO.

I do hope you go see your doctor for some clarification.

Best wishes CD.

[Alemo27 in reply to CDreamer]

Hello CD Dreamer

As usual your reply is very educatable. Having done regular check up for years standing AF ,I have seen Cardio dr. for tiredness and discomfort in breathing even after my AF stopped by med.

I am taking Bisoprolol as PIP for AF ( it is usualy stop AF ,but reduced my normal BP) and Abixaban as anticougalant .

The dr's replies was based on the amount of AF clicks on monitor- no dangerous conditions, and same med.

My concern - heart muscles, vessels blockage and if my discomfort is result of tachycardia, .ishemia, etc. I want to request the appropriate tests. Can you advice?

Thank you

[stix]

Thanks for all your replies and it’s left me confused and concerned, but my last visit to A&E then 24 hrs on heart ward no tests were done other than ECG or several of them, when first diagnosed I had ultrasound and was told my valves etc were normal so since then not had any other investigation, so unless it shows up on ECG I am in doubt.

I have got appointment with EP 21/12/2019 and that was first available appointment request by EP on my last visit.

[Hidden]

If you don’t have angina and have not had a treadmill stress test, then maybe you simply have changes on your ECG suggestive of ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

AF and IHD can be interrelated. Your GP can explain the specifics of your diagnosis and best management of your IHD.

[stix in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I have now contacted hospital and am now awaiting return call from EP so I will update once spoken to him.

[Lovetopaint-12 in reply to stix]

What is an EP.

[Hidden in reply to Lovetopaint-12]

Electrophysiologist, a cardiologist specialising in heart rhythms

There's a pinned post listing commonly used Abbreviations and Acronyms if you go to My hub and click on AF Association.

[Martin32]

I had a camera in my heart after finding AF on a medical in Italy and the doctor on congratulated me on no heart disease and I have seen this on my reports to so no AF is not heart disease or a cause of it