Not recurred in almost 5 years

[LordAmongWolves]

I got regular bursts of self-resolving Afib since the age of 19, ten minutes here and there. During this time I was chronically low carb dieting and overexercising. My longest episode was in 2019, at age 29, where I woke up in it. Went to A&E and it self resolved about 10 hours later. Had PACs/PVCs since being a teenager. Since this day I started 80mg of daily Sotalol and have not had a single recurrence in five years. I also avoid alcohol, caffeine and try to get plenty of sleep. Even the ectopics have reduced. Has anyone else had this experience? Why has it seemingly just vanished? Five years according to my cardiologist is unheard of. It's very symptomatic for me when I'm in it and my smart watch would also inform me. What's going on? Can young people cure it?

[Teresa156]

it’s great that it seems to have stopped. Try and enjoy the peace 😊 I have an Aunt in her 80s now who has been on atenolol for nearly 30 years for her Afib and hasn’t had an episode since she’s been on it. Her doctor has recently tested her heart and says it’s fine apparently. I have heard of it stopping - there’s a TV doctor/Chef who had Afib at a young age like you and that also stopped, after he changed his diet radically. I’ve had infrequent PAF for 18 years but haven’t had an episode for 10 months now and the episode before that was also 10 months ( I know what caused both) and I’d love to go another 4 years like you 🤞

Carry on doing what you’re doing and try and put it out of your head….perhaps you’ll never see one again.

[LordAmongWolves in reply to Teresa156]

This is really promising. Cardiologists always say when you've had it once you'll just keep on getting it more often, which is disheartening, excuse the pun.

[Teresa156 in reply to LordAmongWolves]

Yes, it’s often said that afib begets afib and for some that is true, but I don’t think ( and from my experience this past couple of years) it’s not always the case. I’ve also heard of ‘sinus rhythm begets sinus rhythm’.

Anxiety is the worst thing for me and whilst anxiety continues, I will often worry that I might be about to have an episode and that in itself can cause an increased heart rate, so try and remain as calm as possible at all times.

I would just make the most of it and carry on doing what you are doing. 😊

[Hatten28]

in answer to your query regarding sotalol, I have taken it since2004 I take 80 mg twice daily and up to 3 years ago had recurring episodes of af some very disabling and getting more and more breathless, sadly due to covid I did not get referred for an echocardiogram until late last year I was found to have several problems with my heart causing breathlessness I am still under investigation.

The doctor at hospital wants me to come off of sotalol as she says they are outdated and there are better ones on the market which will also help my high BP.

Have not changed yet because of circumstances but will be prescribed a new beta blocker soon.

Unlike yourself I tended to ignore my AF and got on with my life, don’t go mad but don’t intend to constantly think of my health

I was quite content taking sotalol and coped well apart from some episodes.

By the way I am 83 now so keep living life don’t let your AF rule you.

Good luck