Hey! It seems like quite a big community here so I hope you don’t mind me asking (and sorry for my any mistakes - not a native English speaker). Is here anyone who has been diagnosed with afib as a young adult?
My boyfriend showed the first symptoms of afib around the age of 25. We didn’t know back then what it was and he got recently diagnosed with paroxysmal afib. He had episodes quite often, about 1-2 times a week, lasting between a few hours and few days before he would convert spontaneously. They put him on Metoprolol.
Oh and he has no other conditions (healthy heart, no family history, etc)
Just had an ablation done a week ago so I’m praying that it all works out for us now and we don’t have to worry about it again. The cardiologist doing the procedure told us afterwards that he did see the hyperactive tissue in the pulmonary veins. I hope that’s a good sign.
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Irev83
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Hi Irev - AF is known amongst young people but it is more common in 45+ age group and the older you get, the more likely you are to develop it.
The youngest poster on this forum was 18, which is the age limit rule anyway.
AF often runs in families so there can be a genetic element but that hasn’t been proven, my father had AF in older age for instance.
In young people AF can be caused by endurance athletics - Iron Man, long distance running or cycling etc. Several ice skaters developed AF in their 20’s.
Other causes - Lifestyle Factors - most common - alcohol consumption especially binge drinking, Thyroid dysfunction, very high BP, very stressful environment or past traumas, sleep apnea or just not getting good, regular sleep - shift workers are an example, being very overweight, getting no exercise and diet - certain foods may trigger episodes.
The finding of hyperactive tissue in the veins is good as hopefully it has been Ablated and your boyfriend is on the road to recovery. Slow and gradual return to normal life though.
Nothing much to add Irev but it does sound promising. Hope the factsheets helped and the headaches have started to decline. Not easy when you are young, but resting is the best thing he can do for now. He’s lucky to have you looking out for him 😉…….
I think the “start” of AF can be rather insidious and therefore perhaps a long journey. For me (I’m now 70), capturing it on an EKG sealed the diagnosis, but I’m pretty sure many intermittent and brief episodes started when I was around 16. In the 1960s, I was a nationally ranked swimmer (butterflier and IMer) and was given all kinds of cardiology evaluations - even saw the U.S. Olympic Team cardiologist. Then, when I was in my early 40s, I’m darn sure I had a pretty nasty episode during a Masters swim meet. But hind sight is sometimes 20/20, or more likely 20/50, because I didn’t get officially diagnosed until I was in my mid-50s. I’ve had a mix of symptomatic and asymptomatic events, so only by reflecting back after learning much in the past 15+ years can I come to that conclusion.
Hopefully, the ablation puts a stop to his episodes. But just know that whatever the outcome, members on this site are ready and willing to give him support. And, I might add, willing to give YOU support as well. AF not only affects the individual, but also their loved ones. Members have shared some really helpful information - perhaps even better than their individual doctor. Keep asking the questions you want answered.
Hi Irev83. I had my first known episode in my late 20’s. Now 35 and 2x ablations down. Similar situation to your other half in that my heart is structurally healthy and no family history. It’s definitely a journey that differs from person to person. I wish him all the best in his AF journey. I’m always happy to compare notes and offer support if needed.
Welcome to the Forum! If you would like any advice or support about AF, you may wish to visit the AF Association website to view our online patient resources for further information about medications, or contact the Patient Services team heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
Hi Irev, I was diagnosed with A Fib at 65, but my nephew had undiagnosed symptoms at the age of 21 and eventually diagnosed in his 40,s. My great great nephew was diagnosed at the age of 18. So there is a variety of ages for you and it obviously runs in families. Polly
I had my first paroxysmal AF episode at age 30, but although I was taken to A&E they didn't give me an ecg!(This was 1981). I didn't get "properly" diagnosed until I was nearly 40 (I never seemed to be in AF when there was an ecg available). I was told to take junior aspirin, end of story. I would have episodes every few months, and grew to think little of it. When I was 68 it became persistent, and 2 years (and 2 short-lived cardioversions) later I still have it. My son developed paroxysmal AF in his 20s - he is now mid-thirties and still gets it from time to time.
Yes I started getting afib in my early 30's. For me, it's genetic, my father has it and his mother, (my grandmother), had it. Has any other of his family had it? The good news is that there are many more treatment options now than just 5 or 10 years ago, and certainly many more than when my father first had it...there was almost nothing then! More good news is it sounds like he has "Lone" afib, as his heart is healthy otherwise, so if this is true then he should live a normal length of life as long as he takes care of himself! It's important to understand that, if indeed his heart is otherwise healthy, this is a problem with his electrical system that controls his heart beats, NOT the heart itself. If he takes care of himself, exercises, eats well, and keeps his weight under control he should lead a long normal life! It IS important to stay on top of it... he needs a good EP and do NOT let it get out of control. Good chance his ablation will be effective.
I’m 74 now with Paf When I think back I had episodes in my forties I’ve had a few stressful events in my life and each time experienced what I thought were panic attacks.I take Bisopolol and Apixaban but yesterday bought magnesium so, going to give it a try. I know stress makes me worse and at the moment I’m stressing about every blip of my heart.
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