My husband had a loop recorder fitted last February, which has detected paroxysmal AF without symptoms. His first annual review is coming up soon, and I would be grateful for your suggestions on the questions we should be asking the EP.
After the first month, my husband was prescribed Apixaban as his score was 2.
Many thanks in advance
Hi - to be honest if your husband is asymptomatic and on Apixaban and all bloods and echocardiogram/scans are clear, Lifestyle is good and underlying conditions well controlled not sure I can think of any.
What are your concerns? List them and use as questions.
Most treatments are to improve quality of life for those who are symptomatic. Some might argue that AF should always be treated - ablation for instance but that is a personal decision so maybe ask view of your EP? If it were you would you seek treatment to stop AF? If you go that route I would also ask for a clear outline of the risks as many people believe that ablation will be a cure only to find that recovery takes longer than expected and AF returns eventually anyway.
As CD points out, any and all treatments including ablation are only for quality of life provided that the patient is stroke prevented by anticoagulation where appropriate and rate is controlled.
There is currently no known "cure" fior AF and though ablation may appear to remove symptoms it is common for repeats to be needed. Since 2004 I have had three ablations for AF , one for atrial tachycardia and still have to take drugs. I was, however, highly symptomatic and could not function well when in AF and the ablations did help enormously.
Would I have gone that route if asymptomatic? Highly unlikely!
Agree totally with BobD & CDreamer.
If symptoms are not impinging too much on life & pretty controlled by meds especially anticoagulants then I personally wouldn’t proceed but go with what’s right for your husband. A decision not to taken lightly (I’ve had complications from all the surgeries but I also have complicated health issues)
I previously had the loop recorder in for 3 years following 2nd ablation, just had a 3rd 9weeks ago & still recovering from post op issues but more so from the anaesthetic not the actual ablation procedure this time ( became so ill that I’m now back in fast HR and AF not able to do much yet)
Thank you so much for your reply. I’m finally realising that my husband is in a very fortunate position in being asymptomatic at this time. The worry over the diagnosis was a shock to us both, and so these replies have been really reassuring.
just ensure never misses a dose of the anticoagulant x
I obviously cannot comment on your husband’s case, only say that in my case I was prescribed Apixiban because of A Fib. I understand A Fib causes blood not to move smoothly from one chamber to another in the heart, which may cause clots and lead to a stroke. I asked if I could come off it as the AFib was caused by being hyperthyroid and the thyroid was now stable, but was told I should stay on it as A Fib is sometimes silent. Wishing you all the best!
My husband has been on Apixaban for 2 years after being on warfarin for years. He has had no problems at all with apixaban, He is in permanent afib but has no symptoms that make him uncomfortable and lives an active life. I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago with paroxysmal afib and started on apixaban. I've not had any symptoms for several weeks but have been told I must stay on Apixaban meantime by GP. I am awaiting a cardiologist appointment so will see what happens then. All the best to you.
First time persistent AF - what should I expect?
Should I see an EP and a Cardiologist?
14 months post ablation, 3 months with loop recorder
Which Beta Blocker should I ask for?
Apixaban question - should I stop taking it?
