Does afib always lead to heart failure?I have just had a medication review with a specialist who works with our GP surgery and doctors. He claims that any afib present leads to heart failure between 1 and 20% in the early stages. This is frightening.
My afib episodes are very symptomatic and come around every 4 months but never thought about this really. He also stressed that because I am female and over 65 I am more at risk of a stroke, he expressed 'female'.
I know we are not doctors but what are your thoughts and have you been told similar?
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Karendeena
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Certainly not always, but it can, especially if not controlled properly with medications or ablation. That's why I cringe when I read about people in high rate afib for days and weeks, just "toughing" it out. You want to be in normal rhythm as much as possible and if in afib, you want your rate controlled.
As I've mentioned in the past I went into heart failure...Pulmonary Oedema. ..after being left in fast AF for about 3 weeks. Rate wasn't ever so fast from what I can remember, possibly 130 at rest but my exercise capabilities deteriorated rapidly.
Certainly my worst ever experience. I could barely walk more than a few steps before I presented at A&E. I was told that this was a direct result of being left in fast AF. This was in 2008 and I finally agreed to having my first ablation not long after.
Was just going to LIKE but just wanted to add I 100% agree about NOT toughening it out , wearing the team jersey etc. My NHS website link is called " Patient Knows Best " for a reason.
Yet we’re told AFib aside of risking stroke isn’t life threatening - had this said to me by many GP’s and logically it has never sat well with me - makes the wait for ablation (@ 9 months) a concern considering I go into AFib at least every 2 days and have no meds to help control it (due to previous Heart attack)
I have always been told that CONTROLLED AF poses no threats to longevity . Many people are in permanent AF and live normal long and happy lives provided that they are antiocoagulated where appropriate and their heart rate is well controlled. ( Betwen 60 and 100 is normal but higher rates for short periods should not cause problems.)
The question of anticoagulation depends on your CHADS2VASC2 score but many doctors add 1 for females where there are other scores. So over 65 +1, Female +1 total +2 which means anticoagulation is highly reccomended. If you have any other co morbidities such as high blood pressure (even if well controlled), prior stroke, cardiac artery disease etc then your score rapidly increases. Yes, stroke is the highest risk for anybody with AF as it inceases our likelyhood by 500% even with no co morbidities.
Just had this conversation with my Cardiologist as I am 66 and female but have only had 2 episodes of A fib in 3.5 years. Icheck my EKG tracing every morning as no A fib thus far ...but here's the rub many people are in and out if A fib complete unaware . So no one can know their true AF burden absent continous monitoring. Yes I am very concerned about stroke but equally concerned about potential major bleeding as I like walking and hiking particularly if I out alone or a more catastrophic GI. For now I have opted out on the anticoagulation trusting my Afib burden is low on just beta blocker for rate control. These type of decisions are case by case.
In the 18 years I have been on anticoagulation (warfarin) and continuing with my life of motorsport engineering plus DIY , maintaining our half acre wild-plot and generally living life to the full I have yet to need anything other than normal first aid to control any accidental bleeds.
At 78 and no AF since 2009 I have no intention of stopping my anticoagulant but we are all different.
Understood....I have friends on AC therapy who are avid skiers and other sport type enthusiast like you, some of which have had trauma that required serious medical intervention . I would rather not have to enter and navigate the healthcare system at all cost these days. I am a physician (hematologist) so well versed in the various anticoagulant medication mechanism of action and more importantly the reversal of that action in the event of bleeding. I currently work for a healthcare plan and I can't tell you how many cases I read everyday of people on AC therapy that don't fare as well as you may have over the years. AC therapy has come a long long way from the days of coumadin/ Warfarin and multiple visits for blood monitoring. But the newer meds still require some life long adjustments in lifestyle choices . I just prepare to minimize my personal risk and live the best life I can based on my personal risk. like Afib, who bleeds and who doesn't is luck of the draw. All of this is rather crappy druthers: risk of stroke vs major bleed, which could in fact be a hemorrhagic stroke.
As for not being in Afib, its like I said we can't say with any certainty that any of us haven't had episodes as it can be symptomatically silent. But kudos to you for doing well.
I suppose it all depends on the reasons why we have AF. In my case it was due to a heart valve replacement op I had back in 2008 due to congenital heart disease - I’ve had regular checkups since and I am told my heart is still pumping very well. My AF started shortly after and op and has gradually increased over the years but, so far, no heart failure.
Would love you to have been there. I believe he was qualified as a pharmacist but when I asked he just said 'I did qualify as a pharmacist but now I work with the doctors'
Why oh why do they do that? Sounds as though they have scared you - causing worry & stress THE LAST THING YOU NEED!
Even if you developed heart failure, all it means is that your heart doesn’t pump blood around your body efficiently and even then there are degrees and treatment options.
Maybe he was a physician associate.They assist doctors and often in hospitals.I came across one in my local AAU.I wasn,t too impressed by him.For a start his English and esp with regard to his written language was questionable.
Honestly I think you should put in a complaint to the practice. Do it in writing. So glad you posted here. As WilsonD says - we're getting a lot if these nin trained assistants at present. It's very worrying
What! As a Complementary Therapist if I said things these so called professionals say I’d have been sued! Sadly I know full well they can get away with murder😡
Well said! I had this nonsense very early on from a practice nurse back in 2020. BobD summary us a good one. Depends on all factors. Heart failure is a non specific term and unfortunately it's frightening
Defining heart failure is tricky in itself. Mostly it seems to be when your heart cannot pump enough blood around your body....or so it is written.But this can differ for different people with much dependng on how active they may be?Then what about your ejection fraction and an enlarged heart etc., etc.So far from only Afib. in my very humble opinion.
I have 'lone afib' which comes and goes. At the time of my echocardiogram I was told my hear was structurally sound with no heart disease. I do have very minor regurgitation but told that was nothing to be concerned about
You can ask to switch to your EP’s NHS list? Or ask your EP to write to your GP recommending annual echocardiograms and blood test monitoring? My husband has annual Echocardiograms through the GP referral, never sees a cardiologist but he is monitored, which I think is the most important thing.
He has 3 ‘leaky’ valves, was in persistent AF with an EF number which was borderline Heart Failure. That was 5 years ago now and since treatment his EF has returned to almost normal, he has a few symptoms, breathlessness on walking up any incline, gets fatigue on some days when he’s been over active and some oedema around the ankles but takes no ‘water’ tablets - but then he is 89!
I am retired with modest pension income and savings, which is almost largely dedicated to paying for timely and knowledgeable treatment and monitoring, by a private cardiologist, so that I have the best quality of life possible. I paid into the NHS for 51 years but was very much at the back of the queue on the NHS when it comes to AFib. Getting an audience with the King might be easier than getting in front of a doctor (who is interested and isn’t telling you it’s ‘old age’)
Lone AFib. Next time anyone comes up with this nonsense ask them if they're aware of lower risk factors with lone AFib and no known structural problems. GRRR
I am a carer for my 92 year old grandmother. Firstly, as someone else has mentioned the term heart failure is misleading because it doesn’t mean the heart is going to stop it means the heart isn’t functioning at 100 percent. My grandmother has had a stroke 4 years ago, atrial fibrillation left ventricular impairment mild COPD hypothyroidism diverticulitis pernicious anaemia and is still able walk up to about five times daily!
As long as you are being checked properly by your physicians regularly you’ll be ok and can lead a normal lifestyle (depending upon other commodities) eat healthy sleep well and try to exercise regularly if you can.
My understanding is that if the heart is beating very fast, like any muscle working hard, it can become enlarged. If this happens with the heart, over time it becomes less able to work properly, becomes less efficient and this is shown by a lower ejection factor (EF), which is heart failure (failing to work normally / efficiently and pump normal quantities of blood with each beat as opposed to failing completely such as in a heart attack).
When I had permanent AFlutter, my Left Atrium (LA) become enlarged due to continually beating at 300 bpm. This resulted in a lower EF as identified by an echocardiogram. I was relieved when it was confirmed several months after my first ablation that my LA had returned to normal, as had my EF as otherwise, this could have eventually lead to heart failure.
It would be helpful if anyone could confirm whether my understanding is correct or if way off the mark or if it is in fact more complex.
Maybe relevant: When I had an overactive thyroid, my consultant advised he was keen to control / resolve it to avoid continuous palpitations that could lead to an enlarged heart. He didn’t however detail why, but I understand it was to do with subsequently developing heart failure.
Also, when I had the enlarged LV, the change in overall shape of my heart resulted in a misaligned valve and an increase in regurgitation. This would have lead to less efficient working of the heart. Again, I was pleased when this returned to normal once my LA returned to its normal size after the ablation.
Hi KarandeanaThe clinician who spoke to you referred to a broad statistical observation. He mentioned a death rate when afib and heart failure combine.. It sounds like he has spooked you. It is understandable.
I have just looked up some figures published by Dr John Day. He says that 14%of people die f.within one month of their first afib attack. Within his book he also refers to a death rate of about 20% within one year of afib for all people over the age of 65. These figures are obviously sobering if they are accurate.
Accurate statistics will predict outcomes on a large population but they cannot predict an outcome for any individual within that population. There are too many variables at the individual level.
For those of us over 65 with afib who have not died within a year constitute a new cohort with a longer life expectancy. You can see this on a bell curve. The surviving population moves towards the long tale in the old curve.The longer you live the longer you are going to live.
Besides afib I also have a diagnosis of prostatic cancer. I looked into the figures given to me by my urologist and the statistics suggest that my life expectancy will be reduced by 7 weeks if I do not have radical surgery.
Statistics can be helpful and give you a broad overview of what is happening.
The clinician who spoke to you was probably trying to alert you to the seriousness of the condition in order to encourage you to take steps to reduce your risk.
I have noted that Bobd has often stressed on this platform the need to live your life and not be trapped by your condition. He is right.
Myself and four sisters all over 70 and the eldest is 90 , all have had Afib for many years, so obviously were not included in the statistics !!. Since it is the most common arrythmia, many undiagnosed, I really am surprised by these figures !
Hello Hip, none of us have had an ablation, we are all treated with medication - much the same. I'm in South Africa and my sisters are in the UK - our medication is much the same - fairly low dose Bisoprolol (I take 1.25gm, and anti-coagulant, in my case Eliquis) , except for my younger sister who could not tolerate BBs, and she takes Flecainide. I am asymptomatic, so just take my pills - my problem at the moment is finding the right one for my BP, my systolic reading is erratic, doctors seem to play a sort of pharmaceutical chess with it - the cardio removed BP drugs because he thought my BP was too low, it went up so my GP with Cardio's consent reinstated it, MY GP was away for my routine check , so I saw a partner, she thought BP too low and removed a drug, saw regular GP and she reinstated it because systolic too high - Cardio suggested increased Biso and so ad infinitum !
Thanks for replying! It’s reassuring to see success stories without ablation. Finding the right drug seems to be tricky… Have you tried taking calcium channel blockers, by any chance ? I’m seeing that quite a few people are on Diltiazem. Glad you’re doing well otherwise!
I was on Verapamil but was too much of a rate reducer with the Biso, which is no doubt, if you tolerate, it the most efficacious for HR control- also it makes my feet swell!!! There's a few hundred more BP meds to try - when I look at my Medical Aid's formulary there's a huge list of contenders !!!
Sorry to say this but he seems to be pretty useless as a medic. Even if it did lead to heart failure, my husband has been in heart failure for 12 years now due to COPD weakening his heart and still alive.
My GP told me as i am recently diagnosed with the intermittent AF, that as long as i stay on mainly the thinners, even if a stroke these will help immensly. Worse thing is worry and stress.
Medics like yours are scare mongers, you would be best off asking your Vets advice, sorry for sarcasm but this sort of thing annoys me, This is how mis-information is passed on to others.🥵
I find this very worrying as the same thing has happened to me, my 'specialist' was a nurse practitioner specialising in cardio however what he told me was not appreciated by the hospital specialist I went to see afterwards, she wanted his name and location!!! We are being guided more and more towards nurse practioners and pharmacists and these people are not doctors or specialists, they are nurses with additional training (thats how they explained it to me) and the pharmacist specialist in drugs but for proper diagnosis we need to make sure we get to see a doctor or a consultant. I have no doubt that those mentioned are good, caring nurses and professionals but when we are unwell we need the expertise and should have it made available to us.
Are you on a blood thinner? From my experience (my neighbours mam has badly controlled AFib) badly controlled AFib can lead to heart failure. Well controlled seemingly doesn't. When I was diagnosed, I had a few episodes for six months, then it was a ten hour episode every three days with heart rate up to 186. First ep said live with it. Second EP said let's try ablation. Nsr since Dec 22. Fabulous feeling to feel normal.
in a way those who dismiss this advice abs those who say he has a point are all right. My NHS very well respected EP said that once AF paroxysmal or other was regarded as a chronic condition managed in primary care (often routinely with beta blockers which are actually not appropriate for many) and not a priority for cardiology in comparison to other conditions. He says the research shows this is erroneous that AF is more harmful than previously thought and should be treated assertively as early as possible. It may not quickly leas to “failure” but it doesn’t lead to a healthy heart and given other comorbidities which may develop as you age, best to limit or pause it. They fast forward AF referrals because in his view, give or take a few cases, AF begets more AF, whatever the initial trigger it becomes a habit, and AF is not good for the heart. If the heart is sound abs the patient wishes it they offer early ablation to slow or stop the episodes. They start with cryo as least intrusive and do a second touch up with an RF ablation. Of course this doesn’t work for everyone. It is a bit of a mongrel condition as I think Bob coined the phrase.
I wonder why he was being alarmist? Was he going against the advice your EP gave you? Exhorting anticoagulants? Good luck on the journey.
Obviously, we are all different but with me, the AF has caused my left atrium to enlarge and subsequently, its pulled the framework around the mitral valve out of shape. This has caused severe regurgitation and I'm now on a list for repair surgery, which they'll throw in a Cox IV Maze in for good measure.Make sure that you are well monitored.
Similar situation to me. Fortunately post ablation, my enlarged LA returned to normal. An enlarged heart can lead to cardiomyopathy and subsequently heart failure. Best to control rate and rythem as best as possible.
They thought mine had shrunk back as I've been so well but a scan a couple of months ago showed it hadn't. I'm just fortunate I've not really had any symptoms at the moment.
I think you were poorly counselled. This is just me, but I would follow it up directly with the person concerned, rather than make life tough for them with any kind of formal complaint. Working in the NHS is hard enough these days without having extra pressures brought on.
The evidence I have read is that lone AF in a person with an otherwise healthy seeming heart does not shorten life, but that AF presenting with, or as a result of, other cardiac comorbidities, and most particularly, hypertension, can.
The study linked below is, like many, hard going to read at times, but is encouraging. It's 16-years old now, but its positive findings can only have improved with newer treatments.
Overall, from all I have been told and read, any heart with AF needs closer medical attention than it is often given in the modern NHS in order to uncover if other comorbidities are present and, If they are, they need to be actively treated.
Perhaps more importantly, to improve our chances of living a normal lifespan, we all need to be active in dealing with the scourges of our Western lifestyle as it seems certain that these are causing adverse "inflammatory" changes in our body systems that lead to disease and poor health. The causes are such as eating ultra-processed foods, over-consumption of alcohol, lethargy, obesity, hypertension, sleep apnoea, diabetes and similar. We all know that we can help ourselves a great deal and I know that I need to do more.
i have persistent af, which caused “heart failure” the arrhythmia nurses call it heart function, which i feel is more accurate. I have just had a TOE and with medication apart for a leaky valve all has gone back to normal. I can’t run up a hill!! But that’s all.
I have both which were diagnosed at the same time. However I did experience symptoms of AF first so can only conclude the two are connected. On a more positive note, my HF is currently being controlled by medication and I am able to lead an active life, albeit with some restrictions (mainly tackling steep inclines).
I have been diagnosed with HF as a result of AF. I am only 47, but had AF for 18 years and was in persistent AF for many, many years without any treatment. I think the latter part of that is the crucial bit. Unfortunately, I was discharged from cardiology with the message of "just live your life, AF won't kill you. It's just a nuisance and you are no more likely to have heart problems than anyone else." I was put on meds but developed allergy so they took me off them without a replacement.I was told to go back to gp if it became problematic. I went back to gp once about 5 or 6 years later. They didn't think my symptoms were related and didn't refer me back. I only got referred back to cardioogy after a trip to A and E 2 years ago when my symptoms suddenly got much much worse. I suspect due to menopause and poss post covid. Since then I've had very good care and a lot of treatment.2 cardioversions, 3 ablations, lots of meds.
I think the key message I would put out there is that yes you can live a normal life with AF and I understand that some specialists want to avoid creating anxiety so emphasise that message over the need to keep AF in check but I think active monitoring would have prevented a lot of issues for me. AF does not need to lead to such complications, if well managed.
When you hear those words `heart failure` you think the worse is going to happen. In 2020 I was taken to hospital feeling very unwell. After a few days Takotsubo Syndrome was diagnosed along with AF and HF. I only knew about the HF as a nurse put a leaflet into my hands as I was being discharged. I was so shocked that I just took it and worried. Medication and some life changes and I was soon back to my `old self` in about 3 months. Tomorrow I have all my family coming to celebrate my 78 birthday. I hope that you get some answers soon Karendeena. Best wishes Marianne.
hi I was told the same by a cardiologist last October (telephone Appointment) I’m trying not to concern myself too much but it’s hard sometimes to get my head around it all. Wishing you all the best x
NO, please put your mind at ease. AF definitely does not have to cause heart failure. I've had paroxysmal AF for almost 16 years (sometimes episodes every 2-4 weeks) and my EP cardiologist periodically does a careful study of the numbers from my echocardiograms--"no change--no remodeling--no heart failure." In part, I put this down to low BP, taking meds to control the rate, & stopping episodes with flecainide as soon as reasonably possible.
My only caveat. I am a research dr. (not in cardiology) and I approach all statistics with strong suspicion, esp. when you discover how imperfectly many studies are actually constructed and carried out. Check out the "Sensible Medicine" column by Drs. Vinay Prasad, John Mandrola, et al. for more on that. Misleading conclusions are being drawn that are terrifying patients; one example, comparing "relative risk" to "absolute risk" can change a conclusion dramatically, yet we hear statistics being flung around very carelessly by drs. & fellow patients, without all of the nuances that are required for an accurate conclusion.
You are a significant statistic of ONE! Our genetics, gender, unique medical history, food, mental state, hobbies & work life, our pleasures in life and our spiritual state... we know all of these things best, so take comfort in knowing that it's not statistics, it's your unique configuration that is of most consequence to your health. Keep a calm spirit and carry on! Best hopes, Diane S.
Afib is a spectrum. Everyone is different. It's more an unbrella term because people have different levels/ types of Afib. Some people don't change much and it is well managed with drugs and that's that. Others need different types of intervention. Generally it is considered progressive but for some that might mean very slow changes, others it's faster BUT there are various types of interventions to improve and change the course. I definately would not go with what a pharmacist says. I would ask to be referred to an Electrophysiologist (specialist cardiologist) as they are best placed to assess you, tell you your options and advise on management. Please don't let one rather poorly informed pharmacist scare you with their very simplistic view.
Hi there, I am under an EP but he doesn't say much other than this isn't life threatening. He is trying to get me controlled but at the moment the episodes are coming every 4 months in-between I am fine. My episodes are fast though and last for about 30 hours. EP says to sit it out unless I am breathless or have chest pains
my echo showed Diastolic grade 2 dysfunction with preserved EF. I ask first my EP if I had heart failure, had looked it up, his reply yes my heart wasn’t pumping as good since it was stiff but most folks over, I think he said 65, had a beginning of same. He also said it’s like the rest of our bodies, joints gets stiff, doesn’t work as well as we age. Saw my cardiologist last week, asked him same question, basically got same answer. Both said they didn’t hear and fluid in my lungs, none in my ankles, so don’t worry…. What worries me, I am so short of breath on doing anything. I am 85
Looks like you are doing well 😊I am 66 and this terrifies me. My brother had a stroke in January as a result of undiagnosed afib. Dad had afib and other heart conditions (build up of plaque in his arteries) and died from a brain haemorrhage after a fall when he was on warfarin, he was only 60. Mum has persistent afib but doesn't feel it as it's slow, she is 95. My episodes are really symptomatic with high heart rate and go on for about 30 hours. I worry when the next one will be, average every 4 months at the moment
I was doing really well until the AFib started couple years ago and put on medication. Have mitral regurgitation and several other heart problems but can’t believe how fast I have deteriorated. Use to walk 60 miles a month, do yard work but now I am a different person and I believe it is from medication. Had a wise doctor tell me years ago, medicine is poison, it may help one thing but harm another. I think it is so true but sometime you don’t have a choice. My oldest son died 18 months ago from a massive heart attack. He had just turn 63. Heart problems runs in my family, father, both brothers had heart attacks but all lived. We never know what’s the right way to go but I think doctors should take what we tell them more seriously.
Flecainide, Eliquis, atenolol, for heart, thyroid medications, eye vitamins since I have wet macular degeneration and three glaucoma drops and , gabapentin, Crestor, think that’s all, looks like a pharmacy around here. I want to stop Flecainide , thinking about it since I have felt awful since I been on it. EP and Cardiologist said I am not on enough to bother me but I disagree. It does work though, not had any AF since been taking it.
Sounds like a really cheery guy. There are ways to educate you without scaring you. Had an experience in the hospital with a cardiology resident after a heart attack. I was very fragile and he told me I was doomed. It took a very long time to fade. He was wrong about my oxygen needs. I now can sat at 100%. I now take my meds religiously and watch my diet. There are ways to communicate the facts without being the voice of doom. I know my heart is damaged. No need to cause me anxiety. Just know the facts and soldier on. Wish you the best.
I don’t have the answer but my heart failure is a result of my heart rate being in the 150s for over a year and exhausted my heart. I don’t think it’s always the case. Also FYI I do not have congestive heart failure. I have a pacemaker now, and there’s actually a possibility of not only stopping the progression, but reversing it according to my EP who is actually teaching what he did for me to other hospital EP staff because he is so forward thinking and thinks outside the box to give us a better life. I think you should get another opinion preferably from an EP or at least a Cardiologist a big hole in
The best is to CONTROL H/Rate and BP then AF is still there but minimised.
I had a stroke caused by af as it was undiagnosed and thyroid cancer undiagnosed so I was not on any drugs except B12 because of a deficiency.
For some reason - overworked public stroke Dr first whom I argued NOT to give me Metoprolol and the Heart Specialised as I asked to be referred, and increasing Bisoprolol left me UNCONTROLLED at 156 avge or resting 120 plus.
It is up to us Afers to find a great Heart Specialist who is interested.
My Locum referred me privately to a H/S who was interested and took down all my history.
2019 Ischaemic Stroke (Embolic type) with AF. Thyroid Cancer found on a Carotid Artery Scan.
2020 Surgery. Thyroid Papillary Cancer. All removed in yime. As wel 2 lymph nodes infected.
2019 Prescribed Metoprolol 70mg, Avorastatin OKed 10mg, PRADAXA 110mg x twice (given 150mg x twice)
2020 Prescribed after surgery. Stabilized 125mg Synthroid. as well as above..
2021 Changed to increasing Bisoprolol - still uncontrolled.
Dec 2021 Private H/Spec. introduced CCB Calcium Channel Blocker 180mg too dramatic. 156 down to 51 in 2 hours. Diltiazem reduced to 120mg AM and Bisoprolol BB 2.5mg at night for BP...123/77-89. 80-90 H/R. Day.
Always avge 47 H/R at night regardless of meds.
Dec 2022 Meds as above left alone 120/69. 62-69. H/R Day.
Controlled BP and H/R able to have operation March 2022 Removal of Johnson & J ugly mesh.
So that I believe with my AF I am able to live a long life except with exertion issues which are far improving from 2019!
Under Surgeon's orders I maintain a TSH of 1.0-2.0. Never been rehospitalised and once called St John to check me over after a bad fall.
I am happy where I am at. I don't feel the AF but had all the uncomfortable symptoms. I walk, talk, and read and write. The stroke remnants cause some swallowing difficulties so I eat what I can manage, talking has improved to the point of normal. I have sung soprano every Christmas after the Stroke, Thyroidectomy ...
Keep happy, positive and take life in your personal stride.
The future is the future.
I am managed on my meds, don't need an ablation (can't have one Ive been told as LV chamber enlarged).
Thank you Joy. My brother had a stroke in January from undiagnosed afib, unfortunately it took his left periferal vision which in turn has taken his driving licence, he's finding it difficult to come to terms with it which is very sad. Apart from a few flutters he had no idea he had afib. Sad fact is we all have it. Mum at 95 diagnosed a few years ago but doesn't feel it al all. Brother 69 and me at 66 diagnosed 3 years ago, incredibly symptomatic unfortunately, wipes me out!
It’s always that bit more worrying when there are family members who have had strokes due to AFib. My sisters had strokes due to undetected AFib at 64 and 65. I’m ten years younger and worried about it, but didn’t manage to get a diagnosis until I was 67. Almost snatched the anticoagulants from their hands!
They were lucky not to be affected badly, and continued to drive. Although there were some effects as one sister had problems with weakness in one hand. Sadly they have both now passed away, one from a massive stroke. (This was preceded by falls, her INR on warfarin going out of control, changing to a NOAC - and I’m pretty sure she stopped that after a microbleed on her brain. I suspect it could have been caused when her INR was so high, rather than by the NOAC.)
I’m now in persistent AFib, and on rate control only, with Bisoprolol, plus apixaban of course. I’m not doing badly though. In some ways it is better than the ups and downs when reverting to sinus rhythm. Anyway, I’m managing to walk uphill more, if slowly! Back to overtaking some folk on a level walk. It’s taken a few months to get over a failed ablation, but I think that stopped some of the really low rates if not the high ones!
Glad I haven’t been given any scare stories like that though! All I can do is take the meds, and aim for a reasonably healthy lifestyle.
It shouldn't take his licence. But you need to wait 6 weeksx after a stroke or TIA. Then I went to Dr who said "I don't know where your head is at so I want you to have a driving test!" I waited another 6 weeks. Went for my test 10/10!
Licence returned.
My ex husband has no periphery vision in right eye. He gets his heavy driver's licence renewed. He has to learn to turn his head.
If you drive on the left like NZ does having no periphery to left eye makes it easier.
Go to the transport authority or you could ring them up.
I have AFIB every 40 hours and it last for 15 hours or more and my specialist said you cannot die from AFIB BUT you have to be on a blood thinner! In fact I had three heart doctors tell me the same thing because I do ;have anxiety over this too!
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