which type of Afib

[Spalafin]

How do you know which type of AFib you have? Nothing in the paperwork says if it’s permanent or just and episode etc. I’m on beta blockers and thinners. I have had an echocardiogram scan and there is no need for any follow up.

[BobD Volunteer]

There are basically two sorts of AF. Paroxysmal (which comes and goes on its own, ) and Persistent which lasts longer than seven days and or needs intervention to return to normal rhythm (NSR) . Permanent merely means that patient and doctor agree that no future attempts to obtain NSR are appropriate.

Why not go to our main website (AF Association) and read till you drop so you will get a good understanding of your condition.

[Rosie1066]

I was first diagnosed with Paroxysmal but this later turned to Tachy-Brady Syndrome for which I had a Pacemaker fitted. So, it can and does, change over the years.

[Nightmare2 in reply to Rosie1066]

I start with the the same P.AF as you had, but my episodes aregetting closer, it used to take weeks before another episode now i just had two within 10 days. i am on thinners, and PIP method with Bisoprolol during episodes, it takes over 4 hours on Bisoprolol for my H.R. to return to normal. I have naturally low H.R. of arround 50, Dr. says if it gets worse he could fit p.maker to keep it around 75, then for me to take a bisoprol daily.

To me i cannot see their reasoning in p.maker to higher H.R. just togive us bisoprolol Beta B's to lower it. I live on knife edge now waiting for the next episode, they make me feel really unwell.

[Rosie1066 in reply to Nightmare2]

I have suffered AF ever since I had OHS back in 2009 but earlier in 2023 it changed ton where I was also getting very lightheaded with it and also had balance problems. By May it was getting much worse and was occurring almost every day. I had previously been told by my cardiologist to go directly to A&E if it lasted more than thirty minutes, that being later reduced to if it lasted more than ten minutes, so I knew I was in a bit of a state. In the end I had to dial 999 every time for an ambulance as I could not drive myself with the lightheadness. June and I was back in A&E by blue light ambulance yet again but this time I was admitted to coronary care unit and was told that they could do no more for me other than give me an emergency Pacemaker, to which I very quickly agreed too and was then transferred to a London specialist hospital where I spent another week. By this time my AF was now Tachy- Brady Syndrome. Since the Pacemaker I’ve had a couple of blips, one which saw me back in A&E, but now all seems to have settled down and, for me, my Pacemaker has been life changing.

[Nightmare2 in reply to Rosie1066]

Yes i know they are the answer for a lot of people and who knows i may end up with one, it all gets a bit much for me though as when i go into AF, it lasts for around over 4 hours until the bisoprolol kick in, which makes it worse for my own situation is that i am living with a quite sick husband, COPD, heart failure and his AF though is totally under control on Amiodrone. Its like everything I think we all cope a lot better when younger. I have begun taking just half a bisoprolol per day and making my own judgement, becuase when the Cardio told me not to take it daily with my low heart rate but just the emergency 2 with an Episode, i am fining i am getting more 'episodes than ever before' if i tkae the half Bisoprolol, with my low H.Rate, i think this helps. I am waiting to go for another ECG at the hospital but like all things, the waiting time is awful for everything.

[Hidden]

Good Afternoon Spalafin,

There is a section in our 'AF Fact File' booklet here: api.heartrhythmalliance.org... which explains the 'different types' of AF on page 7.

There are also lots more resources and videos on our website: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... which you may find useful to learn more about the condition and terminology used.

Our Patient Services Team are here if you would like to ask us any questions or would like any advice or support: 01789 867502 or email: [e-mail]

Best Wishes,

Katrina.

[Buffafly]

If you have AF on and off it’s paroxysmal, all the time is persistent. No follow up could indicate further test/treatment not considered necessary. You have given very little history so it’s hard to comment.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Get a report on the ECHO which shows exactly how your heart is funtioning.

cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Buttondog]

After your echo you should get a letter from consultant or GP defining your condition and burden. If AF is mild then maybe no action. Just medication and healthy living.

[Shoefairy]

I too received no imfo on what type of AF I had when I came out of hospital Two more tablets to take one anti clotting one extra beta blocker So I did readings on my Apple Watch and also on my new BP monitor which as a ECG on it Both told me every day that I’m in AF This is nine months now and not seen a cardiologist since Was told I would get an appointment to go to AF clinic but nothing yet If you get a watch or you can get a monitor that will let you no daily I heard if it’s daily for 12 months then it’s permanent

[DiyChas]

I would contact whoever requested the echo.

Sounds like I am the same as you.

I see my cardiologist yearly.

I use a Kardia device with my smartphone to check it periodically.

It always indicates 'possible atrial fibrillation'.

The only reason I use the app is to see if there are any signification changes in the EKG chart.

[Ppiman]

If there is NSR occurring then you have paroxysmal AF, as I have (with very infrequent events); if not, and your heart is in AF all the time, as friend of mine's is, you have permanent AF.

Steve

[Spalafin in reply to Ppiman]

Not been told, so how do we know if NSR occurring.

[Ppiman in reply to Spalafin]

You can tell if you are having AF from feeling your wrist. If the pulse feels completely regular, even if with a few "delayed" beats (i.e. safe ectopic beats), then this will be NSR. This means that the heart is under the control of its own natural "pacemaker" and acting as it should. That can be so even if it is racing. If it is over 100 while resting, then some treatment is still needed if this carries on for long periods, usually a beta blocker.

AF gives a different feeling pulse. If you have AF, you will notice your pulse is "irregularly irregular". This means that the irregularity of the pulse (i.e. the delay between beats) is itself "irregular".

Best of all is to use an Apple Watch which perfectly picks up AF using its ECG app. If you don't have one, perhaps you know someone who has? Alternatives are to buy any portable ECG device from the internet with the most popular being the Kardia 6L or the Wellue AI device. I use the Wellue and like it because it allows long-term measurement from 5 minutes to 24 hours whereas the Kardia measures for a maximum of five minutes.

Steve