I get a fast AF episode once every couple of years, my cardiologist has said that eventually most people go into permanent AF , I had my first episode when I was 37 I am now 47 and have had 5 Fast AF episodes.
I find them incredibly stressful, how does everyone else who gets Fast AF cope mentally with it??
I think one of the first things you should think about is are you getting the best medical advice for your condition. Most GP’s tend to refer AF patients to general cardiologists but it’s Electrophysiologists (EP’s) who are the cardiologists that specialise in arrhythmias. Take a quick look at my reply to CDreamer’s reply to AussieHearts post 2 below yours.
You are relatively young and that makes it even more important that your condition is properly assessed because your cardiologist seems to be saying that there’s not much which can be done to treat you and nature will take its course. From what you have told us, nothing could be farther from the truth. I suggest you ask to be referred to an EP as soon as possible and perhaps even consider a private appointment if possible…….it will be interesting to see what others suggest.
I go along with what Hidden has said, ie see an EP! I was about 48 when I had my 1st episode of fast AF and I'm nearly 78 now. Yes, these fast AF episodes are very stressful and I don't think they can ever be anything else ! You just have to believe that though you may feel like you're going to die the likelihood is the reverse. At least that's what we've been told 🤷 😌
Try to stay calm. I have Bisoprolol (betablocker) which I can start taking when I have an episode which sometimes helps a little in reducing rate . If my AF is prolonged and I've taken 7.5/10mg of Bisoprolol and need to go to A&E at least I've saved time for the next step as Bisoprolol is the default treatment there !
I think a lot of people find having attacks of AF very stressful. To cope with mine that descended like a tidal wave, I had to remain as calm as possible and become used to the idea that I was stuck with it and had to make the best of things. Since I had a n ablation last year I'm still having attacks but they are nothing like as awful, so there are things that can be done to help. And also lifestyle changes, mindfulness etc. which I find helpful. A good EP, as Flapjack and Jalia have said, is a must as they are experts . I went private to see mine, and he was happy to treat me on the NHS.
Don't let it stop you! 
I was your age when diagnosed but everyone is different in how it affects them - this time I’m having fast runs but last time I was running 130-160 continuously, felt faint and breathless.If it’s debilitating just go with what you’re able to but contact the medics and yes referral to EP or if you already have one contact their secretary to try to bring forward an appointment. Ensure you GP is updated and may want to see you - try although it’s hard to breathe slowly and deeply in through nose then out through mouth to relax you (sometimes if you need an ear there are plenty on ear (here) and they are brilliant 🤩
Yep, stressful, at first and some people never get over that. I learned as much as I could about AF, by reading online but with my sceptic filter engaged. Most of my knowledge was derived right here on the forum. It's a fantastic resource.I second the suggestion that you need to consult an EP. I have found the general cardiologists that I have seen just useless, except for checking out the heart function when pumping normally.
You do get used to it, when the sessions start to come more frequently (as they are likely to). I found that I could drive, function normally in social situations, but not have the energy to do anything much beyond that. My general approach was to sit and immerse myself in a good book or maybe watching some sport or a movie. Another good thing to do is go to bed early and hope it's gone by morning.
However, I did find that after a few years the sessions were getting more debilitating, and the tiredness would continue for a day or so after a session had ended.. Of course, as this started with me after I retired, that helped a lot as I didn't have to worry about work or time off work. It must be more difficult at your age.
Luckily, I had an ablation over a year ago, and I'm hoping that as I've not had any problems since April this year, it has been chased away for a while, possibly a long while.
It is very hard to cope with it it’s not like you can ignore it. I have been doing fairly well since my last procedure the end of April then suddenly tonight I knew something was not right. I took my rate and it’s 145. I have still been hovering around 100 but this is a big jump. Of course here it is Friday night and unless I want to make a two hour trip to the hospital I need to take a deep breath and hope it stops. I just took my Multaq Which is my PN told me to take if needed. Monday I will be making a call even if this goes away. I don’t think we ever get used to having events and I don’t think we should. To take them for granted could be dangerous I think that’s my opinion. The highest I ever hit was 300 BPM and that was on the table and they had to zap me. Best of luck don’t become complacent and don’t panic find a happy metal place.
Thankyou all for the fantastic detailed responses, this community is truly brilliant. You have all put my mind at rest.
Return of AF
First 'fast AF' episode - at the beach
Fast AF 
AF without fast pulse? 
New fast af. Unhappy 
