Heart Monitor results

[Jeep2021]

newly diagnosed 58 years old female. No other health concerns. Echo shows heart is healthy. My doctor had a nurse call me and want to add flecainide to my drugs due to heart monitor results. I’m confused because I’ve only had 2 Afib episodes and none in 3 weeks. I feel like we should discuss the results before throwing more drugs at it. I’m so tired already from I guess the Diltazem. Is 54 episodes of SVT in 14 days a reason why he would want flecainide added?

[FSsimmer]

Hi, Depends what your HR is and how long you have had the Afib. What options have you been given re treatment?...Afib is progressive. My echo showed reduced EF ( only slightly ), but that was because I was in AF at the time and had tachycardia....Treatment is aimed at either rhythm control ( ie they get you out of AF, or if long standing and often not possible they control heartrate so it does not become too high ). If you are being treated at a cardiology unit see if there are any nurse specialists available to speak to about your concerns. There are here in the |UK, or go direct to your cardiologist

[CDreamer]

Hi - I would be very hesitant personally but really depends how symptomatic you are? It’s not a benign drug so do your research on the effects, risks as well as benefits.

Have you any information as to the source of the SVT and what is your HR in SVT & how long episodes persist for - all would influence decisions.

I think I would want to ask more probing questions as to why and other treatment options and would lifestyle adaptations help?

I took Flecainide as a PIP for AF which worked for a while, then daily but arrythmias broke through and Flecainide can cause wide QRS which happened to me so do your homework so you know questions to ask before making an informed decisions.

Best wishes

[Jeep2021 in reply to CDreamer]

I have an appointment to get more information next week. The report I have is pretty brief … 54 episodes of SVT range 77 to 197 bpm. I know when I’m in Afib and I only had one episode on the monitor. The only symptoms I have are the feeling in my chest of a crazy heart. No dizziness, chest pain, etc. I feel worse on the Diltazem than I did with the Afib and svt. Results show no VT, no pauses and no AV block.

[Ppiman]

Anti-arrhythmic drugs (and any physical treatment) for AF are generally to help symptoms, and with anxiety and fear being a real burden for some, that can be very useful. They are, however, variably toxic and several carry pro-arrhythmic risks so, for me, need consideration and monitoring before any decision is made to start them. I am lucky that (so far) a daily dose of bisoprolol (1.25mg) is keeping my AF at bay.

Steve

[frazeej]

Simple answer: Yes. 54 episodes in 7 days!! Sheesh!

JimF

[Jeep2021 in reply to frazeej]

In 14 days and only 1 Afib episode

[frazeej in reply to Jeep2021]

Sorry! Misread the 14 days as 7 days!! Sheesh, I really am losing it!!

[Singwell]

I'd say likely- yes! That's quite a few instances of Arrythmia and Flecainide is an anti arrhythmic. However, do your own research into it and ask to discuss the decision abd have the thinking explained.