Follow up after cardioversion

[Canteringon]

Hi all, I had my first cardioversion in February. It was done privately as I was in a ‘holding pen’, according to my GP. (Waiting to see a cardiologist ) I was in continuous AF for six weeks, for the first time.

Anyway, this procedure was successful and I am now two months in. No alcohol and no caffeine, trying to protect myself from reverting back…When I went for my private follow up appointment, everything was really good, but I was told by the cardiologist that I would definitely go back into AF! This was a bit of a shock. He said, ‘ I can guarantee you will go back into AF. ‘ Is he correct? 🤨x

[Jalia]

You should have understood before the cardioversion that it is not a cure. For some people it does not return them to a normal (sinus) rhythm at all. For others the time can really be anything before AF strikes again.....weeks, months or years.

The fact that you have been able to return to sinus rhythm is an indication that the next step, ablation, is liable to be successful.

( I've had 27 dc cardioversions over 30 years....many have lasted 12 months, a couple 3/4 years and my one in January lasted 8 weeks.)

[Canteringon in reply to Jalia]

Wow! That is a lot of cardioversion’s. Why did they not ablate you?

[Jalia in reply to Canteringon]

Oh, I've had 4 ablations.....no 5 should have been last week but cancelled at last minute due to staff sickness . Awaiting new appt

[mjames1]

With some, cardioversion may only last days, weeks, or months . But I was free from atrial fibrillation for 10 years after my first cardioversion. I know someone that was free for 30 years and counting.

Also keep in mind that those that have had completely successful cardioversions tend not to be tracked by their doctors as much of those where it was unsuccessful. They also tend not to post on forums like these, because they're free of atrial fibrillation and are busy doing other things.

Jim

[Canteringon in reply to mjames1]

Thank you Jim, that is definitely more encouraging!

[Jafib in reply to mjames1]

Helo Jim. So, afib free with no meds or with meds? Thnx

[mjames1 in reply to Jafib]

Yes, afib free with zero meds. And after 10 years, I had my second episode and second cardioversion. That cardioversion also lasted another 10 years without meds. And then a third cardioversion about 10 years later, which also lasted about 10 years. So that was 30 years of a fib free without meds. Later, the frequency did increase and went on anti-rhythmics and finally got an ablation.

Jin

[Jafib in reply to mjames1]

That is amazing success. I was first diagnosed with afib in 2008 and was controlled with flecainide until about a month ago - now in persistent afib and go for my first ever cardioversion next Thursday. I hope success is in store for me as well.

[mjames1 in reply to Jafib]

Your progression is very different than mine as I never needed anti-rhythmics for a long time. If your cardioversion doesn't hold, I would start looking into an ablation.

Jim

[Ronnieboy]

I've some good news for you, I had my 1 and only cardioversion April 2009, and I've not had any problems since or rather no problems regarding AF.I also gave up alcohol and got my self into shape. Best of luck yo you.

[Canteringon in reply to Ronnieboy]

Hi Ronnie, thanks for that - very encouraging. 😊my cardiologist did say he considers alcohol is a big trigger. That is why I reluctantly gave it up. 😞Thankfully I am already pretty fit and healthy in general. I’m 64 in June, but lead a busy active life, with two horses at home to ride and take care of, along with all the other farm chores and running a business from home too. Fingers crossed with the AF!

Heather

[Ronnieboy in reply to Canteringon]

You don't need alcohol to enjoy life,in my case I'm sure it was the trigger,worrying doesn't help either.

[Canteringon in reply to Ronnieboy]

Yes, according to the cardiologist alcohol is a serious trigger. When you consider the amount of chemicals in modern alcoholic drinks these day. It’s not necessarily the alcohol itself, it could be any other chemical with the cocktail! I’m no longer missing it, much, after three months.

[Jafib in reply to Ronnieboy]

Ahhh the worry component...my biggest trigger. If worry/fear were not a factor my life would be so much better.

[Canteringon in reply to Jafib]

That’s such a shame, because I’m sure you realise, worrying doesn’t help anything, it just compounds it. Have you tried yoga and mindfulness? I’m quite wired! But I am now back to my yoga class which helps to show you the way to breath and relax, as well as lots of hard work stretching! The mindfulness, I’m now trying to get into 😊 fully engaging with every task or activity. Like doing the dishes, or riding my horse! I’m still in too much of a hurry with everything though! 😁 But might be worth a try.

[Jafib in reply to Canteringon]

Thanks for the reply! I tend to think logically and when that part of my brain "wins out" all is good. Even when the emotions take over, I am telling myself this is not logical - but it happens anyway and my blood pressure and heart rate skyrocket. Makes going to the doctor interesting!

[Jalia in reply to Ronnieboy]

That sounds very good ! Yes, alcohol appears to be a big trigger. My husband, a lifelong fairly big beer drinker, gave it up gradually after his Parkinson's diagnosis and really doesn't miss it now.( much to my surprise!) He absolutely loves 0% Guinness though !!

Well done to you !

[Canteringon in reply to Jalia]

Thank you 😊 and well done to hubby.

[maurice2]

Mine is nearly three years and counting (1st cardioversion) but have a mild arrhythmia which is only present when I'm at rest. On apixaban because of stroke risk. Using a Wellue device to track ecg and also track HRV to avoid overdoing it. I'm much less social now - I'm not sure how a dose of flu etc. would affect me.

I'm also alcohol free and have a daily exercise routine to try and keep my fitness up (I managed quite a bit with AF but struggled with slopes/hills) and now have a very heart friendly diet. More AF is certainly likely but not a given.

Also, from my investigations, coffee is not a problem and is packed with antioxidants. But I tend to drink lots of tea!

[Canteringon in reply to maurice2]

Hi Maurice, thanks for the reply. Actually my cardiologist did say he is not so concerned with caffeine and suggested gradually introducing coffee, but, like you I’m mainly a tea drinker! Green tea is very healthy, for all, but I really prefer black. I developed a horrendous chesty cough within the first month, that took weeks to clear. I kept checking my pulse after terrible coughing fits, but thankfully stayed in NSR

[CDreamer in reply to Canteringon]

Caffeine is not the issue in coffee and in any case there is as much, if not more caffeine in black tea and chocolate as there is in coffee. Overall it is thought that coffee has health benefits.

Everyone reacts SO differently to different stimuli you really can’t generalise. I react really badly to the tannin in both tea and red wine - yet i occasionally take a tannin supplement to keep gut micro balanced.

If you tune in to your body it’s usually your best monitor and a lot more intelligent than your mind.

[maurice2 in reply to Canteringon]

My latest concoction is vanilla chai with the tea bag left in...with half a teaspoon of carob powder too. Almost a snack rather than a drink...👍

[Canteringon in reply to maurice2]

I love chai tea too!

[Desanthony]

The short answer is yes. However, some people can be kept in NSR for quite some time after cardioversion my longest cardioversion lasted 15 months. I have heard of other people lasting over 2 years. Any and all treatment is really for quality of life with AF. The main thing is that if you can return to NSR even for a short while it means that the next step - ablation should also prove to be successful for you. If you can get to see an Electrophysiologist (EP) on the NHS as they specialise in AF and treatment then do so - though sometimes you have to go through a cardiologist to be referred to an EP as I did.

All the best and keep doing all the right things.

[Canteringon in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you for that. I have been referred to an EP, but being in Cornwall, where things are particularly bad in the NHS, I will need to be patient! So at what point should one accept an ablation? As it is after all an invasive procedure. My private cardiologist seemed to suggest not jumping in to have an ablation if things are relatively settled……

[mjames1 in reply to Desanthony]

Any and all treatment is really for quality of life with AF.

I know that this has been posted here many times, but it is so wrong and potentially harmful. Treatment is also to help protect the heart, which without proper treatment can end up eventually in heart failure, etc.

Jim