Clarification needed regarding the abbreviation "PAF"

[GeorgeStevens]

I don't follow the postings here very often, so my apologies if my question is redundant or one I ought to know the answer to.

I was just reading a post where there was a question about the use of anti-coagulants. The poster and several respondents used the abbreviation "PAF." My first thought was that it means what I myself have been diagnosed as having: "permanent atrial fibrillation." But then on second thought it occurred to me: No, maybe it stands for "paroxysmal a-fib." On third thought: Maybe it means "persistent a-fib." Which one is it?

Thanks!

[baba]

Usually means "paroxysmal a-fib."

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Bagrat]

Usually paroxysmal A F but underlines why abbreviations can cause confusion.

When I was working, there were many abbreviations and all frowned upon. One written by night nurse said "HNPU DNT". Answers on a post card please.

[ozziebob in reply to Bagrat]

Something about food? finished with Do Not Touch?

[Bagrat in reply to ozziebob]

Should have given hint, male urology ward. Try again!!1😀

[ozziebob in reply to Bagrat]

At least I got the Do Not Touch correct!

[Bagrat in reply to ozziebob]

It was "Has not paased urine, did not try" None of us knew what DNT meant. First 4 very common.

[Hidden]

I would take it to mean paroxysmal AF .... but that's a UK definition. You are in the U.S. and so there maybe other meanings that are local to you guys and different to us here in UK.

John

[Ppiman]

Isn't it confusing? Permanent AF means the doctors have stopped trying to control the arrhythmia with drugs or ablation, I believe, and the atria are left to quiver away naturally. My friend has this, and his atria never stop quivering so far as I can tell as each time he wears my Apple Watch, it shows AF.

Persistent AF means that the rhythm might still be controllable and doctors are intervening with drugs or ablation. Differently, PAF is paroxysmal, which means that the fibrillation stops and starts, coming in spasms (which is what paroxysms are). In between the AF there is a normal heartbeat (NSR). These spasms can be daily, or whatever. Mine are very infrequent at present, thankfully,

Steve

[Vrouse in reply to Ppiman]

I have permanent AF which is controlled by medication. To be honest, I feel much better than when I had paroxsymal AF.

[Ppiman in reply to Vrouse]

My friend says the same. He seems quite comfortable with his but knows his limitations I think.

Steve

[2learn in reply to Ppiman]

Sorry I disagree and I've been told I'm in permant AF, but docs still try with ablations, cardioversions and medication to control it. That's NHS not private

[Ppiman in reply to 2learn]

There’s no fixed terminology it seems. “Sustained” is another label. So far as I know, if an electrical or medical cardioversion process proves successful, doctors will continue try with other means.

I think in a way whether doctors will keep trying depends how symptomatic the AF is and what effect it is having on the heart itself and the valves.

Steve

[Mugsy15 in reply to 2learn]

definitely something wrong there, 2learn.

'Permanent' means patient and medics have agreed that no further attempt will be made to restore sinus rhythm. That's the definition.

[2learn in reply to Mugsy15]

may be yours

[Mugsy15 in reply to 2learn]

Well, yes it is my definition. Because it's the medical definition of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation, and very basic knowledge of the condition.

I'm afraid you have either misheard or been misinformed.

[2learn in reply to Mugsy15]

My experience is no medic knows and they call it what they like. Some have called it permanent some have called it flutter some have called it tachycardia. It means when they try something they can say oh thats worked we've got rid of flutter you're now in tachycardia or whatever.

[Mugsy15 in reply to 2learn]

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Forum Godfather explains it more clearly than me. I'll leave you with his wisdom via the link.

[2learn in reply to Mugsy15]

doesn't change what I've said, experienced and believe . Medics are not gods they use words like we all do to cover their ignorance.

[GeorgeStevens in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you for your reply, Steve. Evidently, there's no standard abbreviation for what I have, which is "persistent" or "permanent." What with the letter "P" already fully employed in standing for the paroxysmal people, we Permanents and Persistents are left with no letter to represent us. Oh, well. I take heart in the fact that at least I'm not suffering the pain of taxation. My condition is relatively untaxing. I'm completely asymptomatic. The tyranny I live under is therefore mild: just one medication daily, Eliquis.

[Ppiman in reply to GeorgeStevens]

You sound like my friend. He's had this for many years and apart from his warfarin INR test occupying his time every two weeks he's fine.

Steve

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Good on you.

I reckon all abbreviations should have an enlarged explanation in brackets.

You like me either guess or close off through frustration!

cheri. JOY. 73. (NZ)