Arterial Fibrillation

[Poodle27]

I’m a happy active 73 year old and Granny to 6 young people. Last year I was referred to the Cardiology department after ECGs and a weekly monitor identified arterial fibrillation. On Monday I have my first consultation with a consultant cardiologist. I have a list of questions but wondering what significant things I should be checking out

[Paulbounce]

Hi Poodle. First of all, nice to hear that you're an active and happy 73-year-old Granny! I bet your time is taken up with grannying (is there such a word?).

Regarding your upcoming meeting with your Cardio, here are some points that you may want to ask or discuss:

Treatment options: Ask your cardiologist about the different treatment options available for afib, including medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures such as cardioversion or ablation.

Long-term management: Afib is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Ask your Cardio about the frequency of follow-up appointments, any ongoing tests or monitoring that may be needed, and how to manage your symptoms at home.

Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can help manage afib, such as reducing stress, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers such as caffeine or alcohol. Ask your cardiologist about any specific recommendations they may have for you.

Potential complications: Afib can increase the risk of complications such as a stroke. Ask your cardiologist about the signs and symptoms of this, and what to do if you experience them.

Medications: If your cardiologist prescribes medication for your afib, be sure to ask about the dosage, potential side effects, and any drug interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Prognosis: Ask your cardiologist about the likely prognosis for your condition, and what factors may affect your long-term outlook.

Enjoy your weekend,

Paul

[Ppiman in reply to Paulbounce]

That's a very good summary except I would say that caffeine (in the form of coffee) hasn't been shown to be a trigger, Paul, and for many, me included, alcohol seems quite safe and perhaps even beneficial in the way it relaxes the mind.

Steve

[Paulbounce in reply to Ppiman]

Hi Steve.

Yes, I agree. Coffee is fine for me too. Alcohol is alright for some but not others. A couple of beers do help me to relax and don't trigger afib - for others, a sip of an alcoholic drink puts them into afib.

The other thing to consider is 'everything in moderation'. If you are lucky enough to be able to tolerate a few beers without afib kicking that's good. However, if you binge drink on a regular basis I promise your afib will return.

Enjoy your weekend.

Cheers🍺

Paul

[Poodle27 in reply to Ppiman]

thank you for the added information - much appreciated 🙂

[CDreamer]

Hi Poodle and welcome

Ask what type of cardiologist they are and have they a speciality in arrythmias.

Ask if there is an arrythmia clinic and get the name and number of the arrythmia nurse - they are often more accessible than the specialist.

If the answers to above are negative - ask where the nearest centre of excellence for arrythmia is to you - this may be important in the future.

Ask what may be causing your AF - high BP? Heart structure? Thyroid test? Are all underlying conditions which if well treated, will help AF progression.

Ask about the risks and whether or not you should be on an anticoagulant - I would expect the answer to be yes.

Ask what type of AF you have? Does it come and go - Paroxysmal AF, Persistent AF - there all the time. This may affect the outcome of treatment options.

Visit the AFA virtual clinic for information on AF which will better inform your knowledge and questions to ask.

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Don’t hesitate to ask any question - no such thing as a silly question. AF can be a bit scary at times but we have all been where you are now and remember the feelings but know that AF is very rarely life threatening and many of us on this forum have lived with AF in one form or another for many years - I was diagnosed in 2006, had various treatments and my AF is mostly controlled by Pacemaker these days without using any drugs other than anticoagulants.

Best wishes - CD

[Poodle27 in reply to CDreamer]

many thanks - very useful information and much appreciated 😊

[secondtry]

You are very much part of the medical team treating you and taking the decisions. So take with you as much info on episodes as you can, accept you have a lot to learn and with lots of charm (I am sure you have that 😀 yes) make sure you write down the answers to your list of questions before leaving. Don't be rushed.

If the cardiologist is not for you, seek a second one paying privately if funds allow to speed up the process. The old days of just listening to what 'the doc' says, being pigeonholed and then going away with an instant solution have in most cases gone.

Good luck & best wishes.

[Poodle27 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you - good advise - will definitely use my charm 😆😆

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Type of AF.

Why was it caused? Thyroid, over exercise, anxiety, eating, alcohol etc.

How to control AF? Meds?

Do I need Anti.co.agulants.

Give your symptoms e.g uncontrolled sweating, breathless, stopping in exertion. Your history when you thought it started.

How often etc.

Any allergies.

Do I need a heart conversion or ablation.

cheers JOY

[Poodle27 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

thank you - very helpful

[Thomas45]

Poodle27 no one has sought to mention that AF is Atrial Fibrillation not Arterial Fibrillation. Nothing to do with your arteries, but to do with the upper chambers of your heart. It may just be a spelling mistake, but I thought I should point it out. I've had it about twenty seven years. It's now without symptoms, and silent, but it's still there. I am 77.

[Poodle27 in reply to Thomas45]

thank you - yes spelling!!

[Hylda2]

I’m at the great-grandmother stage and still going strong!