1 Episode of PAF at 46.: I am an... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,733 posts

1 Episode of PAF at 46.

Joncloyd31 profile image
6 Replies

I am an otherwise healthy male who had one episode of PAF after getting drunk one night. It lasted about 8 hours and I was given Cardizem to reduce heart rate, but nothing else. I converted to NSR without anything else. My real bad habit is smoking which I am struggling to quit. I was on Tambocot but quit that. Should I still take Eliquis since I have had no other episodes?

Written by
Joncloyd31 profile image
Joncloyd31
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies

Hi Jon,

Your decision on continuing Apixaban is between you and your cardiologist.

The CHADS2VASC2 and HAS-BLED scoring systems are guides used to help inform the decision. The position on anticoagulants (ACs) and AF may be changing, so that one episode of AF may justify lifelong ACs whatever your age and irrespective of your CHADS2VASC2 score, in order to reduce stroke risk.

If you would like other advice on managing this lifelong condition, more context would help. Things like your BMI (weight related to height), stress levels, usual alcohol consumption, sleep pattern, diet, approach to exercise, caffeine intake etc. Many here believe that lifestyle changes are as important in coping with AF as medication and ablation. There are some useful information sheets on the AFA site.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

If you have changed your life to avoid future similar occasions then anticoagulation may be over kill but we are not medically trained here so you MUST discuss this with your doctors. If you are not over weight, (BMI 25 or lower) and have no other heart conditions or comorbidities such as diabetes and no prior history of stroke then your CHADSVASC score may be such that anticoagulation is not needed but please do discuss this with your cardiologist .

rosyG profile image
rosyG

Our clinic nurse told me her brother ( who is a doctor) put her into the cold swimming pool while they were on holiday after she had a one off episode of AF many years ago- after getting drunk!! It worked too and she returned to NSR.I would bin the alcohol as you are obviously sensitive to it!! good Luck

Tocqui3ny profile image
Tocqui3ny

Yes, definitely. Alcohol brings PAF on me. I had a stroke,

Madscientist16 profile image
Madscientist16

I have had only my initial episode of AF and converted with diltiazem (Cardizem) which I still take for heart rate control. I also take 81 mg aspirin. My CHADVASC score is 1 and I am a 52 year old female. I wanted to stop the diltiazem since I have not had anymore episodes but my EP insisted that I protect myself with an anti-coagulant if I was going to go off the other meds. He said since they do not know why I developed AF except for a heredity factor, why take the chance. There is no way to know when another episode will occur, especially as I get older. After drug cost considerations I am staying on rate control for now.

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

quitnow.gov.au tar information sheet on the development of tar deposits in the lungs, caused by smoking that leads directly to lung cancer. An isolated case of PAF probably won't kill you...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

PAF Nightmare

Hi All, I am new to this forum , im a 51yr young engineer who has had PAF for at least 4yrs ,...
engineer51 profile image

PAF

a bit of an odd one but whenever i am having a bouts of AF i always feel like i have trapped wind....
Mattpga profile image

PAF diognosed at 35

About 2 1/2 years ago I was on a stag do in Portugal and I woke up in the middle of the night with...
SteveA profile image

PAF

Hi all i Went to see my cardiologist today he said as my visit to A&E did not manage to catch an...
kazzyr profile image

PAF TRIGGERS

I was diagnosed with PAF a couple of years ago and had a pacemaker fitted. Am on Bisoprolol and...
munningsc profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.