New to all this

[Daisyblu]

First Post from me

I have been visiting this site for a while and have found it so informtive and reassuring. I had an aortic valve replaced in 1998 and had no problems at all until an episode of atrial flutter in 2019 followed by an ablation and prescribed 5m Bisoprolol. Again all well until November 2020 when I started to become breathless on exertion and my GP diagnosed atrial fibriliation . I am not aware when I am in A/F although I do notice an increase in my heart rate at times. I have since had chest Xray, ultrasound scan of my heart and blood tests. Aortic valve working well, mild enlargement of heart and left ventricular borderline compromised (?) No fluid around the heart.

Im due to have a heart stress test at the Bristol Heart Institute next week. In the meantime I have cut out alcohol ( drank occasionally) and caffeine and have limited my exercise to gentle walk ( hopefully I will be able to resume my Zumba class) but am aware of breathlessness sometimes even when walking on the flat.

Anyone else experienced something similar?

[Hidden]

Hello Daisyblu and welcome to the forum. With the exception of the Aortic valve replacement, everything else you mention seems to follow the general path that most of us have experienced after diagnosis. However, it sounds as though you are being well looked after and that all the normal tests are being carried out in good time. Mild enlargement is quite common for folk in AF and provided they get you heart beat into normal range (60 - 100 bpm) the enlargement may well revert to normal. I don’t know enough to comment on the left ventricle but I’m sure you will get the feed back you need. It’s obviously a good idea to make lifestyle changes where necessary (or possible). I’ve added a link to an old post which was designed to help newly diagnosed members find out more about AF and how it can be managed. I hope you will find it helpful……

healthunlocked.com/afassoci.........

[Daisyblu in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply and the links to sites to access more information . I appreciate the practitioners carrying out the various tests are unable to give me any information so I wont know much more until the tests are complete and my GP gets a report. I am a little anxious that I have been told to stop my betablocker 48 hours before my stress tests and hope this does not mean my heart rate will rise greatly. I currently take 5mg Bisoprolol morning and evening.

[bassets]

Hi, welcome from me too. The members on here are really helpful and very kind and will answer most of our questions. Best of luck to you

[Daisyblu in reply to bassets]

That's good to know . I look forward to learning from others experiences and knowledge and it is nice to know I am not alone.