Length of episodes

[trixie100]

I have episodes lasting longer than 48 hours is that too long to wait before going to a and e

[smwdorset]

If you are not on blood thinner and/or if your heart rate is high I was always told to go straight to a and e if my PIP ( 150mcg of felcanaide) didnt work within a couple of hours . I wasn’t on thinner because my attacks were v infrequent and my heart rate used to go up to more than 160 so it was a no brainer to seek help. Haven’t you been given any advice in the past? If you are worried call 111 perhaps?

All the best

[mjames1]

It depends on your heart rate, symptoms, what kind of medications you have at home, your general and cardiac health, afib history and what instructions you were given by your doctor, if any.

30 years ago, I would have fast afib (180bpm) and did not have any rate lowering drugs at home. In those days I would head to the A&E right away.

Today, I have both rate lowering and anti-arrhythmic medications on hand, so I take care of things at home with instructions to call my EP if not out of afib in 3-4 days.

Of course, if you are having chest pains, trouble breathing, feel like you are going to pass out, or otherwise feel in distress, best to call 111 or go right to the A&E.

Jim

[javo123j]

I can only confirm what other people have said. I am on the 8th day of an episode but my pulse rate is only between 60 and 80. It does depend on how you are feeling

[Pur123 in reply to javo123j]

Always wondering...do people know about the valsalva maneuver or the modified valsalva maneuver and do they try it to slow and stop their episodes? The modified is even being used in ER first before going to cardioversion. My rate slows right away and within an hour ir sooner im back to NSR

[javo123j in reply to Pur123]

I have heard of it but not the modified one. I will have a look at it but almost all my episodes happen when I'm asleep. I wake up and I am not in sinus rhythm.

[javo123j in reply to Pur123]

Looked it up but it seems it's used for lowering high pulse rates. I'm in afib now and on an oximeter it varies from 46 to 70 do I don't think it would suit me. I will check with AF nurse as I have an appointment tomorrow. Thanks anyway

[CDreamer]

If you are being treated by outpatient clinic it’s unlikely A&E will do anything other than - maybe - monitor you. AF is not considered an emergency unless your HR won’t come down & consistently exceeds 120 and/or you are very symptomatic and have chest pain. Dizziness etc then you should call 999.

[DawnTX]

I would say it depends on how bad it feels to you. I know the feelings at this point and I have permanent a fib. Have you called your doctor? It sounds as though you have already ignored it. If I called whenever I had an episode I would be on the phone all the time with them. I would talk to my doctor ask him what you should expect. I have not yet gone to the emergency room but today he asked me why I waited six weeks to tell him what I told him today. I have been having problems after my surgery. I did tell him I had called the office twice and did speak with his staff. If it’s enough to make you nervous or scare you then go for help ASAP if it’s some thing you feel on a regular basis ask your doctor if that’s what you can expect right now. I had two previous ablations and I did get relief so when they started up again yes I called my doctor Because I knew afib was trying to return. Sometimes it’s a matter of them readjusting your meds. Only your doctor can tell you.