Feel like I've been fobbed of

[Jasonmarkb]

Hi I have been diagnosed with paroxysmal AF . I had it 2 years ago and then it went away. Now it's back but apparently there's no damage to my heart so I've just been given bisoprolol when it happens. But it's been getting more regular and no one Seems too concerned?

[CDreamer]

Who is fobbing you off? GP? Have you asked for a referral to a specialist cardiologist? Have you been advised of risk of stroke and do you know your risk?

Anticoagulation is first line treatment followed usually by rate control which is what the Bisoprolol is about as it’s a beta blocker. GP’s very rarely have enough training to prescribe any further treatment plans without secondary care advice.

[pusillanimous in reply to CDreamer]

Yes, my AF was first diagnosed from an ECG by a GP - she phoned a Cardiologist who immediately told her to prescribe Warfarin and he would see me in a week. I have since changed to Xarelto (tried Eliquis for a while) as it is more convenient.

[OldJane]

wonder where you live and your age? If in UK (and hopefully not NI where lists are appalling) go to your GP - take someone if necessary- and insist on a referral to a consultant EP cardiologist to get advice on your long term care for AF. You may need other meds - like anticoagulants- or be suitable for an ablation. Good luck

[OzJames]

hi Jason when you say it happened 2 years ago and now it’s happening more often… can you elaborate and how old are you. Just for your reference I was diagnosed 31 years ago and my recurrences were approx 5 years apart and reverted within a day or so. Mine became more frequent in 2022 and I’ve had AF 3 times from 2022 till now.

If it’s your GP making that comment then see an expert, a cardiologist or EP and get their opinion. Since 2022 I’ve worked on my triggers to delay the recurrence as best I can. Mine are Stress, eating too much or too quickly, alcohol and caffeine

[Teresa156]

Hi Jason,

Is it your cardiologist at hospital who don’t seem concerned. What appointments have you had there? Do they know your episodes are becoming more frequent and have you told them you are worried?

When was the last time you saw anyone about your heart?

If your episodes increase quickly and you do become increasingly concerned, you could Google cardiologists in your local hospital who also work privately for a private consultation, if you can stretch to it ( many of us end up doing that). Costs about £200-£250 ish….you should find they will pop you on their NHS list for future appointments. Never accept being discharged from the hospital for your heart and ask to stay on their books.

[Ppiman]

That's the way of it, often, I guess, reading here. There's little more that can be done unless you become too symptomatic for comfort. Bisoprolol or similar is the safest treatment to Strat with and is likely what most people have. The AF, if the rest of the heart is fine, shouldn't cause any other issues once the anticoagulation is taken care of.

Steve

[Buffafly]

Hi Jason, it’s difficult to comment as you haven’t given much detail such as age, tests you’ve had, how long, frequent and fast your episodes are? If you want better treatment it’s a good idea to make notes every time you have an episode. You say you have beta blockers when you have an episode but normally they are taken continuously. Doctors don’t really worry about AF as long as it’s not too fast and causing damage to your heart, or if you are in danger of having a stroke. So it’s up to you to push for more tests or treatment.

[Cavalierrubie]

Yes, as others have said you need to get checked, if it has been 2 years since you last had AF. The most important medication is anticoagulant. You don’t mention this. I would definitely get a referral to a Cardiologist/EP to discuss your problems and the way forward, so don’t sit on the fence with this. A GP’s advice is not sufficient.

[Vonnegut]

I was originally given 2.5mg Bisoprolol to take when an episode occurred when I finally was allowed to leave the hospital after my eventual diagnosis. A doc at my surgery advised me to take it daily and after I reminded her that I was very sensitive to drugs she agreed to half that- the lowest dose and didn’t even arrange a follow up appointment but the pharmacist was concerned as I’d never been on anything like that before and after three days of feeling tired I popped in to see him - he took my pulse and told me to stop taking it as it was bringing my heart rate down dangerously low!! It reduces the rate at which the heart beats not the irregularity which is our problem. Flecainide does that and it works well for me at keeping my heart in order. An echocardiogram had shown nothing wrong with the structure of my heart either. Good luck finding what works for you.

[FSsimmer]

Now, have you been seen by a Cardiologist, preferably a EP ?...If not get back to your Dr, also ask then to estimate your CHAD score, as you may need further medication. Are you aware of your resting hear trate ?... again get it checked and if need be ask for a second opinion, its your right.

Atrial Fibrilatioin cannot be cured, but don't panic it can be managed and you can live a good healthy life with it..Its normaly dealt with either by rhythm control or rate control. It just needs dealing with and monitoring by people who understand the condition...

As others have said an Electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specialises in the hearts electrical system and they are specialists in Afib, treating it as a distinct problem and not fobbing you off that its just something to live with....Hope you get sorted...Don't take no for an answer