Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with AF in March 2020 after having symptoms for about 5 days. I then went 5 months and had a brief episode which resolved in October . Then fine until About 6 weeks ago when I had to have an increase in my bisoprolol to 5 mgs - but the AF went within 48 hours . My current episode started 11 days ago and an increase to 7.5 mgs has not succeeded in reverting me to a normal rhythm.
I await further information from my GP but wanted to ask for your experience. What are my chances of a spontaneous return to normal rhythm after so long ?
Many thanks in anticipation.
Written by
BriontePip
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Hi me too first episode March 2020 what a month that was! I’m surprised that your bisoprolol was increased to return you to SR I have not heard of that before but lots of experienced people on here who I am sure will have. I have an anti arrhythmic to convert me flecanide not a rate drug. I do take bisoprolol 1.25 daily though. Are you feeling ok in AF? Have you seen a cardiologist?
My GP awaits a reply from the local Cardiology service regarding next steps . I have symptoms ( the usual tiredness and breathlessness on exertion but feel otherwise OK ). I will see an EP privately if necessary. Thanks for your helpful reply !
Just to point out that I too use bisoprolol for converting an episode which always works with me (after a while). Fully discussed with my ep and I've tried it all, believe me.
Having said that, I think you should forget your GP and ask to refer to at least a cardiologist, but really an ep (electrophysiologist) who specialise in heart rhythm disturbance.
That’s really helpful Phil . I was starting to think that I had gone too long to hope for a reversion . I have asked to be referred to an EP ( haven’t seen a Cardiologist since my diagnosis last March ) . I suspect I will end up paying for a private consultation which I don’t mind as I feel I need their expertise .
I wouldn’t say things are difficult but I am anxious to have more information now that my AF seems to have taken a different turn .
Hi - in your position I would be pushing for a referral to see an Electrophysiologist.
I would be working incredibly hard at all Lifestyle Factors. I would be pushing for excluding known underlying conditions and thinking about treatment options rather than just rate control - which is all GPs are able to prescribe unless have cardiac experience.
The longer and more frequently you go into AF the more likely it will be that it will progress so action sooner rather than later.
I was never a fan of Bisoprolol as it caused me a lot more problems than just plain old AF but some seem to do well on it.
If you haven’t already - take a look at the book The Afib Cure and read as much as you can on the AFA website.
Thank you for taking the time to reply so fully. I have never felt well on bisoprolol and clearly need to press for a referral to an EP . I will have a look at the information sources you suggest too . Best wishes to you too !
You ask if anyone has gone for a long period in AF and then reverted back to normal sinus rhythm naturally. I have on several occasions. An attack can go on for 4-8 weeks then suddenly I'm ok again. It once reverted on the morning I was going to have a cardioversion. I was all wired up and then it was noticed and the procedure cancelled. Oddly that morning I'd said to my daughter how well I felt, the previous day I'd been checked and was still in AF.
As I am relatively inexperienced in having episodes and recovering from them it is useful to hear of your experience. Thank you for taking the time to share this with me .
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