Looking for anyone in similar situation re Cardioversion

[Hallane]

Persistant AFib since April 2023

Check that it’s persistent by using Kardia daily. HB 60 to 100 range only.

Had Echo, Consultant review and on list for Cardioversion end of Feb.

I have no idea that my HB is irregular. Only real symptom is finding it tougher going on hills.

I’ve read people reports after cardioversion when they say NSR only lasted a few hours, days, whatever.

My question is whether anyone else is in this situation with a normal rate irregular heartbeat who then went on to have a cardioversion can advise whether it was worthwhile. I read it’s quite successful for those with high HB but maybe not for likes of me.

Thanks for any contributions.

[Hidden]

Good afternoon Hallane

There is a section in our 'Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation' booklet that you may find useful, on 'Who should be considered for a cardioversion':

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

It also explains the procedure and what to expect following and in the longer term.

Best Wishes

Katrina.

[Hallane in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks Katrina

[mav7]

cardioversion can advise whether it was worthwhile

Very worthwhile to convert you to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Don't be concerned about the procedure, it will go well.

Cardioversions can be followed with taking an antiarrythmic drug with the goal of maintaining NSR. It is not uncommon to not know you have afib or irregular heartbeat. You may want to consider investing in a Kardia, Apple Watch, or other device to detect afib.

[Hallane in reply to mav7]

Thanks. Yes, got a Kardia early on and used it daily just to confirm I was in persistent AF. Wouldn’t know otherwise

[MedicalAF]

Hi Hallane,

I had a Cardioversion on the advice of my cardiologist six months after heart surgery on two valves . I did not realise how bad I felt until I was put back into NSR , Thankfully the Cardioversion lasted for me for 15 months , then the dreaded A.F. Returned so I asked for another Cardioversion , this was successful but unfortunately this time the NSR only lasted 4 weeks and 1 day . It was after this and following further cardiologist meetings that I was told I was a good candidate for an Ablation , whilst I was initially apprehensive I went for it and the Ablation took place last July .

My understanding is that a Cardioversion is not always a cure but offers very good insight as to whether other procedures like an Ablation should be considered .

The team that delivered the Cardioversions were excellent and really put me at ease , the gift of NSR was Amazing .

I hope this helps , all the very best with whatever you decide .

[Patchwork123]

Hi Hallandale

I had a cardioversion early November and am back in AF not sure how long it lasted as I had no symptoms blood pressure and heart rate good.

Only know about this because I have since had a pre op with an ECG and since had the procedure done being monitored constantly and I am definitely back in AF

Like you I am unsure what to do next I would try another cardioversion but I’m not keen on having an ablation.

I have an appointment with my GP on Tuesday to discuss making a private appointment with cardiologist as my scheduled NHS appointment isn’t until September!!

[Hallane in reply to Patchwork123]

Thanks. Would be interested in the outcome of your private consultation if you were willing to share.

[Patchwork123 in reply to Hallane]

Yes will do

[Desanthony]

A cardioversion is not really given to cure AF what it will show is if you can be put back into normal sinus rhythm (NSR) which will tell the medics that other procedures can be used to get you back into NSR for longer such as ablation. So, if you convert back into NSR for only a matter of hours or days it will show them that other treatments will work. My cardioversions kept me in NSR for a little over 3 out of 4 years ( the last cardioversion lasting for 15 months) but unfortunately missed my chance at an ablation due to covid lockdowns and then an outbreak of covid in the cardio department. Then 6 months later had to have all my scans and tests re-done as they needed ones newer that 2 years old to go on with the procedure) and found that - even though I was in NSR at the time that my heart had remodelled itself and would probably not get a good result from further cardioversions or an ablation.

[2learn]

Hi, I've had 3 cardioversions all lasted 12-16 mths. Now had 3 ablations, first 2 lasted less than 4 mths. I found Cardio's quick, effective and no bother, but we are all different. I was about your age when I had my first cardio.

[Hallane in reply to 2learn]

Thanks. Just wondering in what circumstances some of the group get offered multiple attempts of cardioversion and also ablation. Particularly ablation as it’s fairly invasive and costly. Guess it comes down to how much harm the AFib is doing which could be extremely variable.

[2learn in reply to Hallane]

Hi, I was offered ablation right from the beginning as they thought it would be effective. I chose cardio instead because it was less invasive and as it worked I was happy with that. After 3rd the medics felt ablation would be more successful than cardio and I followed their advice. Pre covid if I went into AF, and GP confirmed then cardio was arranged within a few months, might be unlikely now given NHS stress.

[Hallane in reply to 2learn]

Would I be correct in thinking your AF had quite a significant impact on you? In relative terms I’m not really in that position at the moment, but I guess my persistent low HB type will damage the heart?

[2learn in reply to Hallane]

Hi, I first noticed it in the gym when my HR went to 190 while warming up, that ended in A&E and they used Bisoprolol to control it and that works well for me when in AF. When I go into AF my HR goes up, I feel tired and a bit breathless, but bisop usually controls it, so I don't think its as significant or debilitating as other people seem to have.

You say low HR, usually the help for that is a pacemaker which I now also have.

[mjames1]

Are you symptomatic? What medications are you on?

If you have no symptoms, and don't need medication to control your rate, no intervention may be needed at all except a blood thinner, depending on your risk score.

If symptomatic, or if you are requiring rate control medication's, a cardioversion might be worth a shot as well as an ablation if it doesn't hold. The longer you stay in persistent, a fib, the harder it will be to eventually get you back into normal rhythm.

FWIW I had three cardioversions that lasted ten years each.

Jim