Post Cardioversion

Am new to all this. After 3 months of persistent AF I was successfully shocked back into NSR 7 days ago. My breathing and energy levels are much improved, as is my sleep, but I remain very apprehensive after being repeatedly told that the AF can return at any time. My BP is under control and pulse around 50 bpm. Advised to continue with 5mg Apixaban and 1,25mg Biso until follow-up at cardiology early June. Any advice about how to deal with this would be much appreciated. Definitely feel the Sword of Damocles hanging over me.

[BobD Volunteer]

Anxiety and AF are common bedfellows and sadly not everybody manages to get on top of that problem. Learning all you can about this mongrel condition always helps so go to AF Association website and read till you drop as knowledge is power. AF is a long journey but there are a great many of us as fellow travellers to help you along. Ask any questions and we will try to help.

[jeanjeannie50]

Welcome to the forum Longfeller.

I guess you know that cardioversions are quite common, I've had several myself. Some have lasted years and one, when I walked up a hill the day after the procedure, just 24 hours. While your heart gains strength beating in it's correct manner I would advise against doing anything too energetic. Your heart rate of 50 is a little on the low side (unless you are an athlete) and hopefully once you're told you can stop taking Bisoprolol it will return to a better rate, 60-80 is normal depending on your age. As we grow older up to 100 is considered acceptable.

Try to curb your anxiety as that promotes AF. Also take a look at your diet and try to stick to one that is mainly plant based and free from artificial additives. For me artificial sweeteners and alcohol are sure triggers. Some people swear that taking magnesium citrate or taurate really helps. Also make sure you drink plenty of water and don't become dehydrated.

I really hope that you stay well now.

Jean

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for the sound advice Jean. Thankfully I am already on a healthy diet, mainly due to pre-existing conditions, and since the onset of AF I've cut out alcohol and caffeine. The bradycardia has been a longstanding problem, and alas not a consequence of of athletic prowess. A cardioligist asked me the same question some years back and we agreed golf didn't qualify. Anxiety and stress have though been significant factors throughout my life and I will be trying to keep them to a minimum. I will also ensure I stay well hydrated and I am now trying to improve my sleep pattern which had become troublesome in recent years. Thanks again for your concern and advice. Take care. Longfeller

[Hidden]

I had a first cardioversion on January 17th.... I want it to be the one that lasts for good!! I counted the days at first, then the weeks. I’ve stopped counting now. My next appt is in June and July .... you get used to being rhythm again and I definitely have. I’ve had an operation too in March, stayed in rhythm....

So yes, I’m still on the drugs but don’t care.... I’m ok with whatever the doctor says.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You've done really well. Hope I can follow your example and get back to living life as before.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I hope you do! Good Luck 👍

[Hidden]

That’s the second time you’ve poured scorn over my health after my cardioversion....

Ever heard of diplomacy?

Ever heard of hope?

Not everyone ends up with an ablation. You’re not a doctor.

[Paulbounce]

I had my third CV yesterday LF. I don`t expect it to last forever but if I get 12 months from it, I`ll be happy.

My take is this - expect nothing and you won`t be disappointed - however you`ll be over the moon if all works out. Think positive - the fact you went back to NSR means your heart is treatable and other treatments might work for you. Also medicine is moving forward soooooo quickly new ways of dealing with AF are springing up all the time. Give it 5 years and it will be a totally different ball game IMO.

Watch this space

Best,

Paul

[Hidden]

Well I hope I’m not one of them.

[Hidden]

Dear Longfellow. Just read your history on this site. It suggests you wrote it six months ago? I hope you have maintained your NSR. I am in a similar position- one post scared the heck out of me. Think you know which one ?

Please advise, update me. Quietly concerned. Think you may be able to advise me diplomatically?

Speak soon- thats if you still are on this site.

Ed1532.