Not sure about cardioversion

[thinkingaloud]

I am due to have a cardioversion on Wednesday but am not sure about doing it. I was diagnosed with AF last April but am not aware of any symptoms except shortness of breath after exercise. I am taking edoxaban, bisoporol and ramipril. I am asking myself why put myself through the procedure with possible risks when not aware of many symptoms?

[Padayn01]

Are you in Permanent AF? or are you not in AF at the moment? is it controlled with meds? as i thought Cardio-versions if you currently in AF?

[thinkingaloud in reply to Padayn01]

I am permanently in AF which I am not aware off - maybe I have got used to it over the years?

[BobD Volunteer]

I think it worth it just to see if a) it works and puts you back into NSR and b) do you feel any bette?. The procedure is very quick and thousands are carried out across the world on a daily basis with no problems.

[thinkingaloud in reply to BobD]

Thanks for this which is reassuring. You are saying exactly what the consultant said.

[Hidden]

If it works and you go back to NSR, you may be able to stop the bisoprolol, that may well help to relieve the shortness of breath

[beardy_chris]

After cardioversion, I didn't really notice the difference between AF and NSR. As a result, my EP was able to advise that an ablation probably wouldn't be of benefit to me and it would be better to pursue rate control rather than rhythm control. Studies suggest that we will live as long taking either strategy (and I'm still alive! )

[thinkingaloud in reply to beardy_chris]

Have had the cardioversion this morning and it put me back into NSR. Like you I have as yet not noticed any difference from when I was in AF but I am still a little effected by the sedation.

[teenymak]

I have regular almost permanent Afib I am fully aware of my symptoms and still wouldn’t have a cardio version why go through it when it’s not guaranteed to stop it many people I know have gone straight back into Afib hours or days after the procedure and I was told from a very well known cardiologist If you have been in Afib for more than 48 hours you need a trans oesophageal echo to check for clots that may have formed because I’d they cardiovert you without checking and there is one the shock from the cardio version can/will dislodge it and you can then stroke out or heart attack

[thinkingaloud in reply to teenymak]

Thanks - yes this is my fear which you express well. Why put myself through this when I think I have been in AF for years and it has had no noticeable effect on lifestyle.

[Hidden in reply to teenymak]

Because it is a good indicator that you could have a successful ablation.

I had several cardioversions and they are not as bad as they sound, plus if you are converted to NSR you get rid of the AF symptoms , at least for a while.

I have never had a trans oesophageal ultrasound, if you are anticoagulated they may well not do this. I was in AF for 6 months before my first cardioversion, 3 months on anticoagulants before they would consider it

I'm 2.5 years in NSR following ablation which followed several cardioversions.

I'm so glad I did it, and would do it all again if needed

[thinkingaloud in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this. I had the cardioversion this morning. I was quite anxious but, as you say, it was not as bad as it sounds. No trans oesophageal ultrasound but the procedure put me back into NSR. However I feel exactly as I did when in AF - not aware of any symptoms. Due to see the consultant in December so we will see - going by a previous response I may not be offered an ablation if still no symptoms.

[Melbuckton]

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