Newly diagnosed

[Bramley01]

I'm newly diagnosed fast AF, picked up at routine asthma check and sent straight to hospital, now waiting for echo and cardioversion, feeling very anxious as I don't know what expect after 😬

[Finvola]

Welcome Bramley01, even though you would rather not be here at all, so to speak. Diagnosis of AF is a shock that we have all been through so we know how you feel. Firstly, the good news - you have been diagnosed and action is being taken.

An echo will determine how good the mechanics of your heart are and the cardioversion (CV) will hopefully return you to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). I would expect you will be referred to a cardiologist for a full appraisal and further treatment. I was 69 at diagnosis and was given an echo, stress test, x-rays, anticoagulation and a beta blocker to slow my heart. I then had a couple of 24-hour monitors, drug treatment and regular six-monthly follow-ups over the last 9 years.

Read as much as you can on the main AFA website and put search words into the search box at the top right of the screen. For example, there are quite a few posts from newly-diagnosed members - which may be of interest. The important things are that you are not alone, there is always someone here to answer queries, AF is not fatal but it is horrible and takes getting used to, things do usually get better when you have a treatment plan and start to feel better.

My advice is to read, read and read on this forum and on the AFA website - Google I would take with a pinch of salt!

[Hidden]

Excellent advice from Finvola. Just a couple of things to add which would probably become clear if you read the AFA webpages as suggested. AF is what we call a mongrel condition because it can affect different people in so many different ways. In addition, there are two types of AF, 1 is paroxysmal AF which means the symptoms can come and go often without warning although many will say they know what it is that might trigger an episode. The other is persistent AF which means your heart rate is irregular 24/7. If a cardioversion had been suggested, it’s very likely that you are in persistent AF and if the CV is successful, it opens up the possibility of having other treatments which will help control the symptoms. If it’s appropriate, there are a number of things relating to lifestyle changes which could make a significant improvement to how you feel. These include weight loss if necessary, sensible exercise, avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet, boring, but important! It sounds as though you have a very supportive GP. Under the current climate, access to cardiologist may take a long time i.e. months! Apart from anything else, this is likely to impact on anxiety levels so for peace of mind, if it’s possible, talk to your GP about the possibility of having a private consultation which would cost around £200/£300 but make sure they understand that any ongoing treatment would be under the NHS.

Please follow Finvola’s advice and read as much as you can, make a note of anything you don’t understand and ask questions on the forum. It’s best to work on the basis that members are not medically trained but there is a wealth of experience we are all happy to share……..

[Ppiman]

We’ve all been in your position I guess. Anxiety is such a big part of heart issues and hard to control, or even to recognise sometimes.

But the good news is that it seems that most people with AF are otherwise healthy and live long and reasonably normal lives. My elderly friend, for example, has had permanent AF for years yet is hardly aware of it.

Steve

[marcyh]

I have fast AF as well. I get very short of breath very soon after it starts, get lightheaded, so I keep my pill-in-pocket handy (rhythm control) and hope I will be at home when it starts so I can rest.

AF is life changing but not life threatening.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Join the Club.

Good that you are having some tests.

A CCB Calcium Channel Blocker AM. controlled my H/R. 120mg Diltiazem.

and kept 2.5mg PM for BP.

They will read the Echo and give feed back.

Do hope your heart is normal and it's the AF and H/R which needs control.

I hope you are on one of the anti-co-agulant. I am on PRADAXA 110mg twice a day.

cheri JOY

[Bramley01 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Yes I'm on endoxaban 60mg, so just waiting for echo now so fingers crossed 🤞

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

OK Bramley

Feel relaxed that you have some tests coming up to learn about your body particularly about your heart.

Look forward to these tests. Nothing to worry about.

They don't hurt.

Missing is a 24-hr monitor but you could have this later under your specialist.

All the best.

cheri JOY