Regarding COVID-19

[HiloHairy]

Is AFib considered an "underlying condition"?

Please forgive if this has been discussed already.

[BobD Volunteer]

Try using the search box top right as this has come up a few times.

[Hidden]

To be honest, I don’t think this is a question we can answer. The vast majority of forum members are not medically trained and AF is a very diverse condition which affects patients in so many different ways. The only safe way to find out I guess, is to ask your Doctor or Consultant as they will have a better understanding of your condition.

[CDreamer]

If you are a member of the AFA you will have been sent an email about the medical committee’s view as I cannot share an email - this link was provided from within the email heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...

There was also a lot of information around remote monitoring and what to do about appointments.

If you want to be kept in touch with the latest thinking then go sign up - and if you can then donate as all the charities are in desperate need right now. The advice is changing as more becomes known about how the virus - SARS - CO2 (COVID is the diseases it causes) behaves, possible mutations and how it affects all sorts of people with chronic conditions such as AF.

[Shcldavies]

I have had AT, MAT, AF, Afl and Covid-19 in my time and did as much research as I could (probably more than I should). The conclusion I came to is that it can but also may not. One of the more unusual traits of Covid-19 is how it affects people in different ways and no one knows why we get the wide verity of symptoms and severity. Not only do you or I not know but the Medical profession don't know, though in the stricken sense of the term "underlying condition" it is an underlying condition. During my period with Covid-19 symptoms my heart behaved impeccably throughout, did not even have my few mild ectopics which I get occasionally, now I have recovered from Covid-19 their back as before.

[CDreamer in reply to Shcldavies]

If you watch the videos - the consensus of opinion was if you have Lone AF with no other conditions - such as high BP be it controlled or not - you would be considered ‘low risk’ for complications. High BP ups the risk, as does cardiovascular, implantable devices, certain types of pacemakers, lung diseases or certain types of cancers would be high risk. And there again everyone reacts differently to any infection - so many variables.

But as you say, that is all based on current information which is changing constantly as the researchers and doctors learn more. Only in about 12 months time will we really have enough data to come to any conclusions.

[Tapanac]

No apparently it isn't so no worries. My GP telephoned me a couple of weeks ago and I asked him about my husband and also my Afib/flutter and he said it definitely was not.

[Koassilator]

Dying to get on the list I've Cirrhosis & AFib both in the mild scores. Under 70yrs.

No I don't qualify. 🤔

[R1100S1 in reply to Koassilator]

Why need to be on list - is it for work reasons ?

[Koassilator in reply to R1100S1]

No I'm being flippant. Like most it took some time seeking clarification or awaiting letters. I didn't get one so I'm not on the list for shielding. That's all.

[Crystalpalace]

I spoke with cardiologist at start of lockdown. I have paroxsysmal afib and well "controlled" blood pressure.

he said as I was under 70 there was no significant issue.

[john-boy-92]

Your doctor is the best source of information as we are all different. I'm 73, I've had a stroke, pulmonary toxicity (when they wanted to put me on a ventilator in ICU), I'm being monitored for possible prostate cancer (PSA has dropped from 9.6 to 5.4) and, atrial fibrillation. However my GP and the hospital urology cancer clinic haven't felt it necessary to advise me to shield, although I discussed my PSA figure by phone with the surgeon this week.

[san_ray70]

My husband has A.F. and has been told from day 1 he has to go for monthly blood tests at the hospital. He asked if it could be done anywhere else and was told no. He walks to the hospital and used to walk back. He can walk, but what if he could not. I do not like the idea of public transport. I drive, but I do not know what the parking situation is like.

[HiloHairy in reply to san_ray70]

I'm guessing here but I believe his blood tests are to monitor the effects of the anticoagulant he's using.