I initiated the discussion a few days ago regarding AFIB and Coronavirus (CV)
I finally received a response from my electrophysiologist (EP) regarding my queries. He noted the following:
Even though my AFIB is currently well controlled by meds (no events in two years), and I am a very fit and physically active 64 year-old, CV would indeed still put me at further risk for an AFIB event regardless.
If an individual has CV and it is serious enough to trigger an AFIB event, this event in of itself could make the CV even more difficult to treat due to the rapid ventricular response.
Bottom line: The fact that AFIB is an electrical condition rather than cardio vascular disease per se does not mean that it is not relevant to the implications of CV. My EP views AFIB as a serious pre-existing condition that can further complicate our response and recovery to CV.
Clearly, there may be differing opinions in the medical community, but his logic seems very sound to me. Bottom line- we all need to be careful and I'm following all of the social distancing and isolation requirements that are now prevalent here in California given the additional risk of AFIB along with my age.
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
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Jhcoop55
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Hi Jhcoop55. By your post and name, I assume we have a lot in common - both born in 1955, age 64, and live in California. I'm in Sacramento - and you? Good post and take care.
Hi, although I’m worried I am trying to carry on as normal (I’m 67) until told otherwise, it’s very difficult to know what to do, on Monday our doctors have been told they are to ring all those that have have underline problems and to be guided what they advise (hubby is diabetic so he will be one of them ) luckily, I have wonderful neighbours who have already offered their services, best wishes and good luck to all
I had already reached this conclusion without medical agreement but thank you for the confirmation. After 7 years with AFIB, well controlled with meds, I know my heart well and what can cause upset. Catching this virus would be catastrophic for me, and I’m doing every I can to avoid becoming infected. I do hope everyone in similar circumstances will take the greatest care. Thank you for posting. Stay as safe as you can x
Thank you, Jhcoop55. I remember asking the same question and it seems that the views differ UK to US, with US putting Afib in the at risk category. (In much the same way as eg, Amiodarone and I'm sure many other medical ailments and cures are viewed differently nation to nation (even doctor to doctor) Good to have opinions, though and make considered decisions not only about our own health, but the strain our health problems would put on the NHS etc.
In the UK our head medical man (not Chris Whitty, the other one) did say that if you are offered the flu jab for a medical condition, then you are probably at additional risk with coronavirus. I have the flu jab because of AF and nothing else so we're being as careful as possible.
I"m afraid that your EP's conclusions are being borne out with the data coming out of Italy. I read an article in the Guardian yesterday which quoted an Italian doctor re underlying conditions which worsened covid outcomes and atrial fibrillation was one of them . It is the first time I have seen this mentioned and it certainly upped my anxiety a bit.
I have Afib all the time since a massive pulmonary embolism last year. Cardioversion failed so condition is controlled with beta blocker and anticoagulant. Here in the UK Afib is not listed as being one of the "at risk" conditions, but to my mind it is as having Covid virus would place serious strain on a body that is already struggling just to keep going, so I am also taking all precautions and self isolating. I don't want to end up in hospital, so fingers (clean ones) crossed
Here is an excerpt that lists the major pre-conditions (you can also google Coronavirus and pre-existing conditions). Most that I've looked at seem to list heart disease and/or heart conditions but not specifically AFIB (they are not that granular). Hence, this prompted my question to my EP. As more data comes out and more people are unfortunately infected, perhaps there will be more data on AFIB specifically.
"Early data from China, where the new coronavirus COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of serious health complications from the new coronavirus. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this includes people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety."
No it was a different article -I read that one too! The article I read was by a correspondent in Rome Angela Giuffrida and titled "This is like a war" .
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