For those that have had a cardioversion (and AF returned as in most cases as I understand), are your current symptoms less, the same, or worse ?
Purpose in asking is though cardioversion often returns, does it improve symptoms (lower heart rate, feeling tired, etc) I realize this may depend on individual circumstances and medication given after cardioversion.
Thanks !
Cardioversion cures nothing. Prime purpose is to return NSR to see if this is possible and if patient feels better in such state. This can sign post future treatment strategies such as ablation. Occasionally or if for examaple AF created by binge drinking then NSR may remain for long periods. For some it may last a minute a day or many weeks/months.
Realize that as you have stated many times, but curious as to "real life" experiences if AF was the same, better, or worse after cardioversion. As stated, realize individual experiences may vary.
But why would it? If you re-boot your computer it doesn't suddenly develop more memory. Cardioversion merely re-boots the heart.
As stated in the first sentence of the original post, the purpose of the question is to determine after AF returns (in many cases), did the cardioversion plus anti arrythmatic drugs prescribed post cardioversion improve the original AF condition with a lower heart rate and less symptoms than when the patient was originally diagnosed.
In other words, was the cardioversion a benefit even after AF returned.
"Why would it" is the reason for the question.
Putting it another way, because a CV does not change the heart, its a rapid stop/restart process, it’s possible that if or when AF returns, it will seem similar to what it was before the CV but there is no way of knowing. However, the primary reason for having a CV is for the reasons outlined by BobD, it’s an important part of a treatment plan……
Thanks for the great answer.
I was looking for replies from someone who has had a cardioversion or many and can state if their heart rate and symptoms were less, more, or the same after the return of AF as stated in the original post.
I am not questioning the purpose or benefit of cardioversion.
I had 4 cardio CV and the first one was ok I felt good after it for 3 months .the other 3 lasted only days .after a long period of drugs and ablation it was decided my best option was pacemaker and AV node ablation which I’ve had just over a year ago .I’m only on Apixiban now and can do 15 miles a day walking .I’m happy where I am now .
I have only had one which was around 4 months after I was diagnosed with lone persistent AF. It lasted for nearly a year when I had an episode which reverted without intervention. I remember my cardiologist saying “Ahh…..paroxysmal AF and he put me on a maintenance dose of Flecainide which kept me in rhythm until my first ablation. AF really is a mongrel condition which effects everyone differently…….
Thanks !
Has the ablation been successful thus far ?
And may I ask you to share your heart rate and symptoms prior to the cardioversion ?
Yes, although I’ve had two ablations. My first ECG at the time I was diagnosed showed a heart rate of around 124 bpm and symptoms were relatively mild breathless but things got worse once I was put on a cocktail of beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and digoxin
I had two cardioinversions between my ablations and they both lasted around 2 weeks giving me a respite. As such they were really welcome and gave me a belief that my NSR was recoverable. That helped me sleep better etc. So they were for me a force for good. Symptomaticaly they made no difference but in my head they really helped
Steve
I had a cardioversion in Sept. AF returned but with less intensity and I can report that I do, indeed, feel better. Dizziness and breathlessness improved. This may, as you have already pointed out, be due to meds. But I was on them before without the same positive impact. Hope this anecdotal offering is what you were seeking. Best wishes.
I went into heart failure and couldn't breathe before I had a cardioversion that put me back into NSR. The fluid in my lungs was resorbed and subsequently I was put on an antiarrythmic. In my case the CV saved my life.
I’ve had three cardioversions, which resulted in NSR for two hours, up to two days.When I reverted I felt exactly the same as before the procedure and the experience had no effect on my other symptoms.
I had forgotten what “normal” felt like until the cardioversions and it was glorious to have a regular heartbeat, if only for short times.
Mine lasted four days and I seem to just go back to how it all was.
Overall I do not think that a cardioversion will alter the manifestation nor the symptoms of your afib. However may put you onto sinus rhythm which will likely improve a number of physical and mental health outcomes. More likely that ablation or maze procedure would impact afib presentation, duration, frequency etc...Speak to your health professionals about it.
Really, really appreciate everyone's replies. Thank You !
I have persistent afib and metoprolol keeps by heart rate average in the low to mid 80's. Do not have normal energy doing activities like walking exercise and heart rate at times then will be in the 90's. No dizziness or feeling light headed.
Though my symptoms are not the worst I do realize afib will progress and the benefits of a cardioversion.
Again, thanks for the great replies.
On returning to NSR I had no symptoms - such as shortness of breath, fatigue etc and was glad to be off the rate control medication which I didn't get on with. Kept on anticoagulant as had just gone over that age barrier where my Chadsvasc score required it. Cardioversion will not cure AF and you are likely to go back into AF at some stage but if successful it does signpost you to the success of other treatments such as ablation - which although again not a total cure usually lasts longer than cardioversion. the longest my cardioversions lasted was 15 months. When I went back into AF my symptoms were less because I wasn't put back onto rate control medication which were infact causing more problems for me than the AF itself.
Appreciate the great, thorough answer !
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