Had paroxysmal since 2016

[RoyMac]

I’m a 68 yo male and have had 5 or 6 AF episodes since 2016 and one in the last 2 years. Docs put me on Multaq (anti arrhythmia) and Eliquis 2 years ago and the last episode was this past June was diagnosed as Atrial Flutter. Normal sinus rhythm was restored about 10 minutes after a calcium blocker was administered. I was considering ablation but decided to wait to see if the Multaq would help. Multaq is expensive along with the Eliquis. I work out pretty hard for an hour or more 3-5 days per week and feel that’s a big key for me with an avg heart rate over 120 bpm.

I feel blessed that this is working for me so far. I wish there was something cheaper, but don’t want to try something else as long as Multaq works. Was on atenolol and aspirin prior. Much cheaper and it might have been more effective had I been working out more consistently.

So, I don’t have an answer to how long paroxysmal can last, but I’m going into my 8th year.

Good luck!!

RMc

[mav7]

Sounds like you are doing well !

Insure the doctor provides regular checkups and approves of your exercise regimen. I say this because I was a former runner with a good strength training program and feel exercise may be a contributing factor to my afib. May have overdone it as I aged. Many articles on the 'net on the subject if you are interested.

May want to consider an Apple Watch or Kardia device to monitor. This may help the doctor determine the need for Eliquis unless you have other conditions.

Best to you ! With due respect, many here would not worry about expense if it meant NSR.

[secondtry]

My suggestion would be to moderate the work outs. I feel it is important to combine the drugs with changes in lifestyle.

I am a 70yo male in my 11th year of PAF, only 2 short under 1 hr episodes and on I think an anti arrhythmia drug Flecainide with a slightly better reputation for less side effects than Multaq, but it may not be appropriate for you to change.

[Tomred in reply to secondtry]

Hi Secondtry, just a query, what side effects are you aware of with Multaq, thanks.

[secondtry in reply to Tomred]

Nothing specific just recollect members here talking about it in the past, which if I recall correctly there were more issues.

[ninasmith111 in reply to Tomred]

You probably need to check the liver enzymes if on Multaq.

[bassets]

Good luck to you too .

[Kent2007]

I'm now at 16 years of my PAF 'journey' and am aged 68. Two ablations back in 2008 did not provide a cure, but I feel they may have allowed me to stay as a PAF sufferer rather than in persistent AF. I take flecainide - 50mg x 2 per day. I also exercise a lot. Squash was my thing and I would work myself very hard for 45mins or so, 3-4 times a week, plus running etc. I am sure that this hard exercise may have contributed to me becoming a PAFsee sufferer. I don't play squash any more, but still get a lot of exercise - I've done 30 miles of hilly road riding today, plus sawn a few logs. I don't expect any problems. What I do avoid nowadays though is endurance exercise of 8/9 hours or so (I live near to the English Lake District and often walk/climb/cycle there) and, if I have a hard day, I avoid alcohol, coffee, heavy meals (hi carb and/or fat). Seems to work as I've had a run of over 2 years now with very little arrhythmia.