What is reasonable

[Wum1t1gs2s]

Hi, I thought until recently having Paroxysmal A/F, was a matter of "Put up, and shut up". Apparently this is not the case.... I have had several heart rate monitors fitted over the last year or so, however, whenever these monitors have been fitted I have not suffered an attack, but, this said, I have had 7 attacks in 3 weeks the last being 6 hours last night..... I feel a little left to my own devices by my GP and consultant. Is it reasonable for me to assume my medication will alleviate my episodes or, should I still expect to suffer them..

[Buffafly]

It depends what your medication is and what you mean by alleviate. Some medications eg bisoprolol or diltiazem are intended to keep your heart rate lower, some medications keep your BP lower, which may help, and some like Flecainide are meant to prevent the heart going out of rhythm. If you want to investigate whether you are getting the best treatment you should buy a Kardia (on special offer today!) to record your own rhythm strip which is usually accepted by cardiologists and electrophysiologists, who are the guys who perform ablations, a physical procedure to block the rogue signals.

That was a bit of a rush through options but basically no, don’t accept your present treatment unless you are satisfied with it 💜

[Wum1t1gs2s in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you, that helps a lot

[Hidden]

Sadly we hear this many times. With over 1.5 million folk diagnosed with AF in the UK alone, many GP’s do not see it as a serious issue and largely this is because once beta blockers and if appropriate, anticoagulants have been prescribed, in their eyes their job is done and the patient is no longer at risk. Some who may have personal experience of AF often have a different view.

The problem with Paroxysmal AF it never performs to order and all to often, holters, monitors etc rarely record the extent or intensity of an episode. Fortunately, it is now possible to get your own monitor which will produce reports which most EP’s and Cardiologist’s will accept so I suggest you Google “Kardia mobile monitor” (other types are also available) to find out more.

Even though the NHS is under pressure, you have the right to be referred to see a specialist but this is likely to take months, so if possible, consider a private appointment and if you are able to produce reports which show the extent of your episodes, this should help you to get the treatment you need for your AF.

It will be interesting to hear what others say but I hope this helps…….

[Wum1t1gs2s in reply to Hidden]

Thank you a Kardia monitor has been recommended in another post, I will get one and see how I go, Thank you again for your response

[Wum1t1gs2s]

Thanks for your reply.... It is so re- assuring to know that others have had the same problems and have found ways to adjust, and or, minimise them.

[secondtry]

7 episodes in 3 weeks is not right! If you can afford it see a cardiologist or EP privately to avoid delay and discuss change/increase medication and possible ablation.

[KMRobbo]

Never put up or shut up! It's your life. You should always try to do the best for yourself. QOL.

[CDreamer]

Because AF is not thought to be immediately life threatening this happens by less knowledgeable doctors who don’t either know or bother to explain AF or possible treatments.

First line treatment should be assessment for anticoagulation to lessen stroke risk. Did that happen? If not - return and kick up a fuss. (Not literally but certainly voice your concern).

I second the opinion - go see an EP (not cardiologist) privately if for nothing else you will get time and an informed opinion.

Also suggest you go to the AFA website and learn heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

You may also find Virtual Patient Day very useful.

[Crystalbowl]

When I started having episodes of AF but never when I was being monitored, I was told to go straight to my GP surgery and ask them to do an ECG right away. I thought this was ‘pie in the sky’ but I woke up one morning in AF , got ready and went to the surgery as it opened. Told the receptionist why I was there, a nurse then did the ECG, said she needed to take it to the GP. Next thing I know is I am in the GP’s room and there is an ambulance drawing up outside ready to cart me off to A&E. I did buy a Kardia later on when I found out about them. I didn’t know about this site then either.

[momist]

+1 for the Kardia. A few things you should know about it:

If you already have an Android phone, the cheaper 2 lead version might not work with it, depending on the phone. The problem lies in those expensive phones with 'noise cancelling' tech built in, and the microphone sees the Kardia audio signal as noise. The dearer 6 lead version will work, it uses Bluetooth instead. Either version will work with most Android tablets.

I have no direct knowledge of iOS phones, so can't advise. Many people using Apple recommend the Apple Watch instead.

[Buffafly in reply to momist]

Works with 5s Apple phone and up.

[beach_bum]

Yes you should excercise all your options.Everyone with AF is different.

They may prescribe beta or channel blockers depending the outcome of tests and monitoring. You should be getting a stress test( tread mill ) and ECG ( basically an ultrasound if your heart) to determine the condition of your heart.

Kardia monitors are great, but not necessary if you already have a smart watch...Apple or Android.