AFib for past 4 days

[Dizzy3]

Just wondering if anyone out there has experienced being in AFib for longer than a day? And does it revert back?

Usually I return to sinus rhythm If I’m only in AF for a few hours or a day but this time it’s been 4 days. Fortunately I don’t have any symptoms like I usually have apart from not being able to walk far without becoming breathless. Heart rate between 80-100 and it’s usually 130 plus this is most likely due to increased bisoprolol as I spoke to my arrhythmia nurse who advised to increase my bisoprolol up to a max of 10 mg per day but only on 5 mg at the moment as usually 1.25mg makes my heartbeat 50 and below when I’m in sinus rhythm.

I’m on a waiting list for my 3rd ablation .

Just scared it won’t return to sinus rhythm and I could be waiting months for an ablation.

[BobD Volunteer]

You heart rate is still within normal range and the period is not excessive so unless you experience chest pain or shortness of breath/ dizziness I wouldn't worry too much.

[Dizzy3 in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your reply and reassurance. It’s just never been out of rhythm for this long before. I presume that my Afib is getting worse and the sooner I get an ablation the better I will feel.

[mjames1]

You did the right thing by contacting your EP's office.

You should be OK as long as your rate is controlled, but personally I would contact the office in a few days if still in afib and ask if you can be cardioverted with meds or electro cardioversion.

I know that my EP wanted me in normal rhythm prior to my ablation and I was told to call the office if in afib for more than three days. And then there's also the quality of life issue since your ablation is months away.

Jim

[Dizzy3 in reply to mjames1]

That’s good advice, I was thinking of getting back in touch if I don’t convert into sinus rhythm over the next few days.

[Sleepyzz]

I have had a couple of episodes that lasted seven days and worried it was a sign that I was getting worse but since the have also had 24 hr episodes. In last six months have only had two one that was 4 days but this was after a virus and one that was about 36hrs.

[CaboSteve]

Hey Dizzy 3 - My episodes have also been at times between 1 and 4 to 5 days but usually I suddenly find I am back in SR without even realizing it ( I monitor my ECG with a Single Lead Home device). Have you talked to your Cardiologist about Flecainide Pill in the Pocket cardioversion alternative? It worked for me a couple of times (300mg single dose) but had to stop it for now as occasionally I now get A-Flutter instead of A-Fib and Flecanaide is contraindicated for A-Flutter unless on a beta blocker. I also now take a low dose of Bisoprolol morning and night and it has certainly reduced the rate during episodes of either.

[Dizzy3 in reply to CaboSteve]

Thanks for your reply. I have increased my bisoprolol to 2:5mg in a morning from 1:25mg and take flecainide 100mg twice a day. The bisoprolol has reduced my heart rate and this has reduced symptoms but the flecainide has not helped getting me back in rhythm.

[CaboSteve in reply to Dizzy3]

I am on Bisoprolol 2.5 pm and 5 am. Yes usual maintainance dose of Flecanaide by the sound of it. This is supposed to keep you in SR. I was on 100mg of Amiodarone daily for rhythm control before I came off it because of possible thyroid toxicity. As I said - talk to your cardio about a one-off single 300mg Flecainide dose to cardiovert - it does work 50-60% of the time after about 1.5 to 4 hours and if it doesn't you can take a second dose but DO NOT take it if you get A-Flutter as it can result in a 1:1 Atrial/Ventricular transfer which is rather bad! Talk to your Cardio first though! Good Luck.