Is this controlled?

[Kennyb1968]

I'm 53 with no heart disease and have been on daily flecanide (100mg x3 daily - I'm 6'6" and 16 stone hence the large dose) and 2.5mg of bisoporol. I get an AFib break through almost everyday, normally if I am late taking my flecanide. However the incidents are very low level - 80-90 bpm, mildly irregular, almost no symptoms and last no more than 2 hours but most commonly 15-30 mins. The arrhythmia nurse is really pleased as is my cardiologist as this regime is only to get me to ablation. I would rather try an alternate rate control drug as although the incidents don't affect my quality of life - I'd still rather have fewer.

Any one experience similar and if so, did you try another drug.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Kenny

A lot of members find that supplementing with magnesium can help reduce attacks. Dr Sanjay Gupta recommended Magnesium Taurate. I take Magnesium Glycinate, but am wondering whether to top up with some taurine.

Jean

[Kennyb1968 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I'll try that - I just wonder with such a low rate and minimal impact whether I should be worrying or just getting on with my life

[Buffafly in reply to Kennyb1968]

The second 😀

[frazeej in reply to Kennyb1968]

I would also say to "get on with life". BUT.......I've commented before on the anxiety issue with afib, especially (like me) a newcomer to the issue. I, like you, am under pretty good control with the meds, with very occasional break throughs of minor duration and symptoms. BUT......the worry is still there, "what if" the next one is the previously experienced multi-day, multi symptom deal? "What if?" holds me back from getting on with life.

No easy solution to the anxiety issue, but this forum (filled with knowledgeable people with far more experience than me) has been very valuable in starting to allay much of the crippling anxiety of any heart arrhythmia!

[mjames1]

You know it's the devil you know versus...

If it's only to get you through until the ablation, I'd stick to what you're on, as long as your cardio and ep are onboard. The only reasonable alternative is dronedarone, but that may present it's own list of issues. Just maybe keep track of triggers which could help some. You might also try different dosing schedules/times to see if that helps.

Jim

[Kennyb1968 in reply to mjames1]

Definitely Jim mate - what everyone has said is with such low level incidents there's little or no chance of heart remodeling so I think I'll stick with it bud.

[mjames1 in reply to Kennyb1968]

It might even be beneficial for the ablation because the afib should be easy for them to trigger.

[Hidden]

As I’m sure you know Kenny, the Flecainide helps to keep your rate regularly and the Bisoprolol helps to keep your rate within normal range, ie below 90 bpm and it’s probably keeping your blood pressure down too which may be an added bonus. So yes, your AF would appear to be reasonable well controlled by these drugs. I’m not medically trained but you are currently taking the maximum permitted dose on a daily basis which is not ideal. As I understand it, Flecainide is recognised as being an effective rate drug but Amiodarone generally gets the gold medal but sometimes at a price. I have no personal experience but we hear many people talk about unpleasant side effects and thyroid problems so a lot really depends on how soon you get your ablation. If you need 300 mg Flecainide daily, you are unlikely to find any other alternatives that will work for you other than Amiodarone or perhaps Dronedarone but both need care. If the episode continue to break through, they may suggest changing to Amiodarone anyway. Suggest you keep well hydrated, especially in this heatwave……hope this helps.

[Kennyb1968 in reply to Hidden]

Brilliant - thanks mate

[Hidden]

I would say if things are going well enough for your QOL, don't change anything, especially if it's only while working towards the ablation. I've been ultra careful not to change anything once I found my individual "sweet spot" with meds and supplements, and diet. It has worked for me for 3 months now.

[wilsond]

Kenny all I can say is I had to be on 200 mg flecanide and 1.25+ 2.5 at times for nearly 3 years waiting for ablation,and had frequent low level episodes but shortlived because the drugs kicked in to cut short. ( 12-18 month wait for ablation at the start,them COVID,then I seemed to be very stable)

I think I'd hang on in there for now if you can sit it out waiting for the procedure.

. I'm unusual for long wait I think, but things went downhill eventually . After so long ,not unexpected!

[Kennyb1968]

Thanks - I think that's sound advice

[mav7]

Keep in mind AFib will likely worsen.

You are young and can knock this thing out. Consider a maze procedure like MummyLuv

Would most likely be better instead of drug / ablation therapy. Success is high for younger patients.

If mummy does not reply, check her bio or PM.

Best to you in managing your health.

[MummyLuv in reply to mav7]

In Kenny’s case he is early stage paroxysmal and so a catheter ablation has a high success rate. If this fails then worth considering mini maze as a next step. 👍

[mav7 in reply to MummyLuv]

Thx for reply !

Very limited knowledge on my part, but I read ablations can “sometimes” affect success of the maze procedure, or complicate it to a degree.

[MummyLuv in reply to mav7]

Yes if you go on to have multiple ablations. In Europe for paroxysmal most surgeons will want to see one failed catheter ablation before proceeding with mini maze. That is different for the WMM where it is used as a first line treatment for paroxysmal too,

[Jetcat]

I’d say get on with life kenny. Easy said than done sometimes.!!!!But unfortunately this AFIB club we’re in comes with a life long membership. So

I try and squash in as many things I like doing, then on the days/weeks Im having my dreaded ectopics or I get a bout of afib I take it easy knowing that at least I went out fishing or went on a bike ride etc etc when I could.👍

Makes me feel better then.👍

Your one of lucky ones if you’re AFIB doesn’t trouble you too much which is a big bonus.

Best wishes kenny.

Ron

[Kennyb1968 in reply to Jetcat]

Cheers Ron