I am new here. Need advice as to what things mean.

[Abluerose]

Hi all, as you can see I am new here so please bear with me. I have been having problems with my heart for the last two years. Was told it was SVT for a year than told it was AF. Now just found out via a letter that I have Paroxysmal atrial arrhythmia, probably pulmonary vein tachycardia driving atrial fibrillation. This is all gobbledygook to me and I can't seem to find any information on it. In the letter, it suggests that I have an Ablation for this which I think carries some risk. As I am unsure of what I have and what risk the operation my have I am at a loss what to do. Any help in any way would be most welcome.

[BobD Volunteer]

OK basics here Atrial fibrillation is when the top left chamber of the heart instead of pumping in an orderly manner just writhes like a bag of worms. This affect the lower chamber (left ventricle) leading to a chaotic heart beat with little or no rhythm. Paroxysmal just means that it comes and goes on its own. Welcome to the club! It is thought that most of the rogue signals driving this condition come from the four pulmonary veins.

It isn't normally fatal but can change your life---. often for the better.

Things that drive AF are stress, alcohol , over exercise and being overweight.

First strategy is to remove those drivers and aim for a BMI of 25 or better.

To better understand this mongrel condition go to AF Association website and read till you drop and then come back and ask any questions.

Ablation like any procedure does have some small risks but many thousands of us have had these procedures with no problems. You must understand ,. however, that any and all treatment is only ever for quality of life and that there is no guarantee that it will not return at some point in the future.Addressing teh life style issues does help!

[Abluerose in reply to BobD]

Thank you so much. It makes more sense now. I will do as you recommend and read all I can. Thank you again for taking the time to answer.

[CDreamer]

All that Bob said +

SVT = supraventricular tachycardia which means you have a fast heartbeat originating from the atria (top chambers of the heart) - supra = above, ventricles = the lower, main chambers of the heart.

All that means is that the fast rate starts in the top of the heart but is passed through into the lower chambers and that is what you feel. SVT is often a pre-cursor to AF and often remains after AF has been resolved, either through natural or assisted conversion to NSR = Normal Sinus Rhythm.

There is a pinned post called Abbreviations and Acronyms you may find helpful.

[Abluerose in reply to CDreamer]

Oh that sounds interesting thanks. I will have a look.

[Shcldavies]

You have had some good replies, the only other thing I would do is to search "yorkcardiology" on youtube, you will find many videos from Dr Gupta who is a Cardiologist in York, look first at the AF videos then the SVT/arrhythmia videos, then the other heart videos. You will then have a good basis to do your own research and gain the knowledge to ask your Docs meaningful questions. Remember you will learn a lot, but, our heart is very complex, not even the most advanced Cardiologists/EPs know everything. You must always remember they do and will always know best about your particular condition (or at least they will when you have had the tests). I am afraid its a bit of a journey your starting on and the whilst the medical care is very good, it is normally very protracted (because you condition is not regarded as life threatening).

[Abluerose in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you. I will have a look tomorrow.

[Abluerose in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you for recommending these videos, I found them very interesting and informative.