Slow AF

[Pottsgene]

I have slow AF and recently started on blood thinners. What symptoms do people get?? My only symptom I get his an heaviness on my chest, like an elephant sitting on my chest and unable to take a deep breath. Very rarely I feel palpitations. I started off with intermittent AF but I’m. Is in AF 24/7 😡😢

[bean_counter27]

AF symptoms vary from person to person, from none (asymptomatic) all the way through to debilitating symptoms. When I have an episode I feel a bit jumpy, not quite right and notice some palpitations. I usually have to check with Kardia to confirm (or otherwise) I'm in AF. My symptoms were more noticeable before I stated medication (Metoprolol and Flecainide), which appears to not only reduce the number of episodes but also reduce their impact (symptoms and duration).

From Mayo Clinic website:

Symptoms of AFib may include:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat, called palpitations.

Chest pain.

Dizziness.

Fatigue.

Lightheadedness.

Reduced ability to exercise.

Shortness of breath.

Weakness.

[bean_counter27]

PS unless your chest pain/heaviness feeling has been previously checked and confirmed to be from AF then you should get it checked out ASAP to ensure it isn't something more serious. e.g. heart attack

[Desanthony]

I am in low rate permanent AF was diagnosed when in persistent AF - don't know that I ever was in paroxysmal AF, certainly didn't notice any symptoms if I ever did experience this. I could not tolerate beta blockers, calcium channel blockers or any rate/rhythm medication which made me feel worse than the AF - being in low rate they took the rate too low - down to 36 one night I spent in hospital. I have had 3 successful cardioversions which kept me in NSR for 3 out of 4 years missed out on an ablation during Covid lockdowns and now heart has remodelled itself so no more cardioversions or ablations. My resting HR is around 55 and heart rate rarely goes over 120 during exercise and then only for a very short time. I am definitely slower and get breathless easier but not so much that I notice now. I do get dizziness and fatigue but can't say if I am experiencing more fatigue than any one else my age (80). The dizziness could be because of AF or the position of vertebrae in my neck which have been damaged and can squeeze spinal nerves.

Any chest pain should be investigated and any changes you notice should also be discussed with your Docs/consultants.

[Pottsgene in reply to Desanthony]

Wow!!! Your journey sounds very similar to mine. I had an ablation 19yrs ago but that was not for AF but a different arrhythmia. I have been on proximal AF for 5 years to my knowledge. I’m not on heart medicines only just started on blood thinners. Like yourself my rate too low anyway. You’re doing a grand job for your age. I wish my issues had started in my 70,s and not my late 30,s but this is the joy of a gene. I’m 53 now and would be a dream to get your age but I know that will never happen sadly, my goal is 70-75 🙏🙏

[Desanthony in reply to Pottsgene]

You ever know my friend. Medical science is progressing all the time. Keep positive attitude and keep going!

[Buffafly in reply to Pottsgene]

People live into their 90s with AF. What makes you believe you can’t, perhaps you have a condition you haven’t mentioned?

[Pottsgene in reply to Buffafly]

Hiya yes I have a cardiac gene called Lamin AC that eventually causes Cardiomyopathy. It starts off with ectopics then irregular heart beat then AF but long term AF can cause heart failure if not treated or monitored correctly over a long period.

[Buffafly in reply to Pottsgene]

So in a way you are lucky because it is known about, hopefully you will be treated correctly. One of our members only found out about her inherited cardiomyopathy when it had already developed and was very difficult to treat. Best wishes ❤️‍🩹

[javo123j]

I get no symptoms now except I can tell when I exercise I get breathless much easier. I am on 2.5 Bisoprolol and my rate at rest varies from 40 to 60. My mum has had similar symptoms from when she was 60 and was treated with digoxin and warfarin and now uses Apixaban. She still has permanent afib and is 96 in June so there is hope for us all.

[Buffafly in reply to javo123j]

This reminds me of the ‘creaking door’ theory - old ladies with minor ailments tend to live longer because they look after themselves and also get regular medical attention 😀

[javo123j in reply to Buffafly]

That sums my mum up. She was never away from the doctors. 😃