changing pattern

[GranmaWendy]

my AF first started about 5 yrs ago, on holiday in france and they diagnosed it as Atrial Flutter. when I got home and saw a cardiologist, she reccomended ablation, which i had, I then had 2 yrs without any problems. just as we were moving to Ireland I had another episode, so back to A&E ( i Ireland) and I was started on Bisoprolol. then there was COVID so , visits to cariologists became just a phone consult, the Doc in A&E had said he now thought this was AF not flutter, but at this stage it was still a rare occurance. Recently it has been happening more frequently, sometimes only a couple of weeks between episodes. my new Irish gp tells me not to worry, sit it out and as long as I keep taking my anti coagulants, no harm will come. I have asked to see a cardiologist, but he says there is no need. Im not sure I have explained thatvery well but I just feel in the dark and unsupported

[KatzFib]

Hello Granma Wendy! Sorry you are going through this. You need to see an Electrophysiologist (EP), a Cardiologist who's specialty is focusing on the heart's electrical system that controls the heart's rhythm and triggers heartbeats. The electrophysiologist is trained to diagnose and treat arrhythmias. This focus is why EP's are sometimes nicknamed "electricians" while interventional cardiologist, for example - who work to ensure good blood flow are nicknamed "plumber." An EP would have done your fist ablation??? Right? Do not go by what your GP is telling you. He is concentrating on stroke prevention only by using the anticoagulants, however, the rate/rhythm needs to be controlled as to prevent further complications. Your GP should be referring you to an EP for proper diagnosis and treatment. I do not know how the health system works where you are, but refer yourself, if you can. We can here in the US. Wishing you the best! Keep us posted!

[GranmaWendy in reply to KatzFib]

thank you"1 thats really useful to know

[BobD Volunteer]

Katzfib as done the heavy lifting for me adnexplained it well. My ony worry is thata here ein Enmgland we have no nwledged of your Irish health system. We can demand referal to a cardiologist or electrophysiologist if yu GP is unable to sataisfactorily treat us. Yours is either old fashioned, ignorant or plain difficult if he refuses.

Yes anticoagulants are important in stroke prevention for people with AF as it makes them 500% more at risk, but rate must also be controlled. AF is also a progresive condition so if it is not being treated correctly you may find event more frequent and hard to terminate/

Go bang some desks and get treated. Why not go to our main website (Atrial Fibrillation Association) and read till you drop as knowledge is power.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Tests like ECG. ECHO and 24hr-monitor is a must on every change of meds.

I had 3 in 2021 whilst I was changed to see what the new med did.

Finally it was a CCB Diltiazem 120mg AM which controlled my AF. H/R.

The BB Bisoprolol PM controls my BP.

Until your episodes are controlled your quality of life is not holisticly there.

Sounds like you are not being heard.

Go to a private Heart Specialist who will respect you.

As my Auckland DHB H/Specialist says a heart going over 100 at rest x 60 for an hour x 24 hours day is working overtime and must be controlled.

Now 123/69. 62-69 day and H/R 47 avg at night CONTROLLED.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[GranmaWendy in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

thanks Joy, I think you are right, I am not being heard

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to GranmaWendy]

Hi

I'm a Great grand Nana. Fight for your rights you lovely person.

Sometimes it is a ageism thing or they find you have cancer or something else so they do not give you the time.

SHOUT that you want to be heard, treated with respect and get your meds correct. Especially AF needs to be CONTROLLED with meds first or another procedure.

cheers JOY

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

As I said the CCB only affects my Heart Rate.

The BB Bisoprolol affects my BP. Not much the Heart Rate.

Sounds like you are better off on the calcium channel blocker rather

than the Bisoprolol.

My night H/Rate avge is 47. Taking the CCB AM it does not bring my H/R

or BP any lower at night.

cheri jOY