Recent diagnosis of AFib

[Maglab]

Diagnosed with AFib two weeks ago after suffering sudden spells of extreme exhaustion, dizziness, sweating, and nauseous for several months. Cardiologist tells me my heart is stopping for 2-3 seconds occasionally. I see specialist in AFib tomorrow. What can I expect? More tests? I have been wearing heart monitor for 2 weeks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Probably an echocardiogram to check that your heart is mechanically sound and a twelve lead ecg.

[Hidden]

Hello Maglab, welcome to the forum. Things are probably different in the States compared with here in the UK. It sounds as if things might be happening a bit quicker over there than they normally do here but I expect the general treatment plan is probably very similar. Because AFib is what we call a mongrel condition, it can be very different for different patients so you will probably be subjected to a number of tests so that the overall condition of your heart can be assessed before determining the best route forward for treatment. The easiest thing for you to do first is to click on the following link and read some of the AF Association webpages which explains what treatments are available and what steps are taken to assess the best treatment plan for you.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci.........

You are now, where many of us were when we were first diagnosed so we have an understanding of how you may be feeling now. Hopefully to give you some assurance, you will experience some highs and lows but once your situation becomes clearer, your AF will become better controlled and there may be treatments which can be used which can control symptoms and enable you to lead a relatively normal life. If it’s appropriate, there may be some lifestyle changes you can make which might not be easy, but will certainly help improve how you feel. Find out what you can before your appointment and ask questions tomorrow. Not a lot of time I know, but it is the best way for you to establish what is best for you......good luck and please let us know how you get on.....

[Maglab in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[secondtry]

I expect you will have tests first on your heart & possibly ultrasound on the carotid artery to check if all are normal. I would also expect, blood pressure & blood tests to check for thyroid & any other issues. There will then be some facts available to discuss treatment options with you, be it pills and/or a procedure e.g. ablation. There is a lot to take in initially & I would start taking notes now by keeping a daily diary of 1) what's been said & done 2)how you feel and file copies of your test results if you can obtain them. The good news is in my experience a combination of pills and lifestyle changes have made a huge positive improvement all round.

[Maglab in reply to secondtry]

Thank you!

[CDreamer]

Hi and welcome.

As the others have said, you will be advised after tests the diagnosis. The ECG and echocardiogram may pick up what’s happening or you may be asked to wear a mobile device if nothing shows up.

If your heart is pausing for 2-3 seconds then it’s a possibility that a Pacemaker may be suggested because some of the medications to treat AF can lower your heart rate too much and cause pauses but a pacemaker will ensure your HR doesn’t pause and remains stable. Pacemaker is a very straightforward and quite common procedure, these days, usually done as a day admittance under local anaesthesia and sedation.

But don’t get too far ahead of yourself as there is no one fit all treatment for AF. The tests you will have are all none invasive and will give your doctors an overall picture your heart health so they can advise you on your options.

Best wishes and do let us know how you get on.

[Maglab in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you!

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Even though you have an AFIB diagnosis ... it might be atrial flutter. That happened to me the first time I saw an Electrophysiologist. I've worn monitors for varying lengths of time many times.

If it is AFIB ... it will be categorized from Lone AFIB, which only happens occasionally .. to the other extreme which is persistent AFIB.

After my flutter ablation ... I was diagnosed with Lone AFIB. Sometimes LA can be managed with a pill-in-the-pocket approach where you take if needed to put you back in sinus rhythm. Or, when it hits and won't subside ... you might go into an ER setting where they will cardiovert your heart with medicines or shock paddles. I've been through that many times.

If your AFIB is not too bad ... there are quite a few lifestyle changes that can minimize it. No smoking .... no alcohol .... no stimulant drinks (like coffee) or caffeine ... no stimulant foods ... no adrenaline shots at the Dentist ... no tyramine containing foods ... Lots of clean water and clean food ..... start exercising ...... get good sleep, etc.

What happened to me ... was the AFIB got worse and became more frequent. So I had a decision to make: manage by antiarrhythmic medications or a procedure. I chose ablation procedure. Recently had a nearly 10-year run AFIB free (but unfortunately it returned, so I underwent another ablation recently with a world-class EP.) Doing great at the moment.

They say AFIB is rare, but I'm not so certain. After I got it ... my only younger brother got it. My brother-in-law came down with it. One of my best friends got it.

I hope you have light AFIB and it's manageable. However ... if it progresses, then you have decisions. If you go the cardiac ablation route ... select the best EP you can find. Don't go to the EP who only does one once a month.

Good Luck! in your journey .... If you do your research, AFIB will only have a minimal impact on your life.

[Maglab in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Thank you very much!