Where do I go from here? Afib or arythmia any difference?

[kkatz]

Editing my post as no replies.Never known this but maybe too muddled. Until 31st of January I had Paroxysmal AF with only 2 attacks in 18 months. This changed from 31st January. At first a typical afib attack .Feeling faint, dizziness,unable to walk around the house without being breathless. This gradually improved over the weeks maybe due to gradually increasing excercise. My home Machines all still show AF ,bp monitor & Emay single lead cardia monitor.In general I don't get typical afib attacks although there has been the very occasional tachycardia .Heart failure ruled out but echocardiogram showed reason for AF. Occasional little amount of swelling in left foot but not a prob.I am on holiday and the amount of excercise in the last few days has been scary and really knocked me out.Hr high and very breathless on climbs but Probably not irregular.Gp is playing the waiting game as am I. Contact them if it gets worse. I am reluctant to take further medication.Any advice please.

[wilsond]

What exactly is GP waiting for ?I think I'd want to get checked out by EP or cardio specialist in light of your previous history and funny turn that you told us about Kaz.

This is first post on here that I saw btw.

Good luck xxx

[Ducky2003]

Hi. You say that your echo showed the reason for the AF. What is the reason as obviously, that may influence the treatment you are given? Have you actually been seen by an EP or just your GP? If just GP, I would be pushing for a referral to an EP asap.

[kkatz in reply to Ducky2003]

I was referred to cardiology by my GP and they have seen my private echocardiogram.Scan showed and no evidence of heart failure .Left atrial dilation with minimal mitral regurgitation. My GP has requested switch to AF clinic but have no Idea when or even if I can be seen.

[Ducky2003 in reply to kkatz]

If there's one thing I've discovered during the past 5 years it's that you need to push and, if need be, make a nuisance of yourself at times. Try and get your GP to expedite things and f no joy, then contact cardiology directly and ask them. You've mentioned that your echo was private........ you could try a private consultation with an EP, rather than cardiologist as it's not unknown for them to then get you on their NHS list. Best of luck.

[Mugsy15]

I'm on the list for ablation and busy trying to make lifestyle, diet and sleep improvements to see if I can reduce my arrythmia.I have stopped running because it brings on AF or other arrythmias, and now just go for a walk most days. The more AF you bring on to yourself with intense exercise, the more your heart will tend to go into AF. 'AF begets AF', as the saying goes.

Reading your post, I wonder if you think you must exercise hard to do the best for your heart?

Not so in your case, in my humble opinion. All you are doing is opening the door to AF and letting it in.

Try to strike a balance between getting the exercise we all need and not overdoing it. Going for a brisk walk every day, preferably in nature, is free and a wonderful way to do it.

Perhaps once you have a full diagnosis and your condition has been addressed, you may consider doing more.

Good luck!

[kkatz in reply to Mugsy15]

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately the last few days has been accidental. We where on a holiday booked before my problems & sightseeing in Northumberland.You only realise you have gone to far and then you have to get back to the car.but I survived with no ill effects.

[Mugsy15 in reply to kkatz]

Well at least you were in God's county!! 😁

[kkatz in reply to Mugsy15]

The bit that really knocked me out was going down to Newcastle quayside the walk back up.

[Mugsy15 in reply to kkatz]

Yeah I live just West of the city. No matter which way you walk from the Quayside it's steep. However I have misunderstood your original post, which seemed to suggest an intense exercise programme rather than the unintentional hard work you have been forced to do due to circumstances!I'd have come and given you a lift up the hill if I'd known!

[kkatz in reply to Mugsy15]

Never a problem in my youth.Lived in Chester Le street until I was 19 .that was 1967.Had to visit again.

[Buffafly]

Rest! 💜 Unless you are on an ‘activity holiday’ which would be awkward 🙄

[Dee5165]

Everyone on this post has good ideas and checking with your doctor is best answer. However I had persistent Afib since January 2021. Cardiologist kept increasing Beta Blocker since meds weren't working. The side effects on higher doses of meds were worse than the Afib. I went for Cardioversion. Only worked for two weeks. I am not only back to Afib but Flutter as well. I knew Doctor would add more meds or change meds. I did a research on natural alternatives to meds and found lowering meds and adding Magnesium, Hawthorn Berry, Vitamin D3 and Wild Alaskan Fish Oil helps to regulate heart rates. Although it takes 6-8 weeks to show benefits, I am on them for two weeks and find a huge difference. I can now live with Afib!!!!!