occasional AF

[Norfolk_spaniel]

My husband has recently had several bouts of AF lasting just a few minutes each. Heart rate only slightly raised. He is 72, pretty fit and not overweight. Had an ECG at the doctors which didn't detect AF. GP just said to leave it but call an ambulance if happens again and he is breathless. Is this how occasional AF is treated?

[BobD Volunteer]

The first and obvious problem is getting a proper diagnosis of AF. There are lots of arrrhythmias which can be confused.

Paroxysmal AF (it comes and goes at will) can be treated in many ways with drugs and or ablation procedures to electricly isolate the areas causing trouble but all treatments are primarily for quality of life. The one exception is anticoagulation for stroke prevention where appropriate and you should ask your doctor about this if you do get a proper diagnosis (from an ECG).

AF Association webiste has a wealth of imformation your may find useful.

[Rambler398]

How was the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation made? Perhaps your husband could join the forum independently?

[Finvola]

We caught my husband's occasional AF on a Kardia over a period of a couple of weeks and got the traces analysed by Alivecor. His GP diagnosed suspected AF and referred him to a cardiologist who ordered an echocardiogram and then prescribed Apixaban.

I would be a bit nervous about hanging around waiting for the next bout. You don't say how the AF was diagnosed but if it was a firm diagnosis from an actual ECG trace, your husband should be evaluated for anticoagulation at least.

[Buzby62]

Hi, here is a link to all the info BobD mentions

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

I would have a read of the AF fact file first.

Best wishes

[John3333333]

Don't get your knickers in a twist. AF for a few minutes is unlikely to cause a clot. Get some apixaban and bisoprolol down hubby's neck. He'll be fine.

[secondtry]

Keep a diary of any future concerns. GPs are sometimes quite difficult to convince. Be prepared to have a private appointment with a trusted cardiologist around £250. Improving lifestyle choices as frequently mentioned here should be started.

[Ppiman]

Did your husband's GP explain why calling an ambulance might be needed, i.e. because he has other unstated health conditions? Also, how were you able to diagnose the AF yourselves (i.e. are you using a Kardia, Apple Watch or similar)? If he does have AF, then at his age, as you know from your own experience with it, he will need an anticoagulant tablet, such as edixaban or apixaban.

Like your husband, I have AF, occasionally just for short runs, more often, though, it's for several hours. At that time, my heart rate varies between 100-160bpm. Overall, I would describe my symptoms as being relatively mild, though stressful, with light-headedness and palpitations along with some chest discomfort at times, being the main ones (so far - fingers crossed). I usually sit it out, which my specialist has advised.

Steve

[Drone01]

I’m a fit 71 year old male with a heart in good shape apart from the AF. My 30-45 minute PAF bouts (at 200 bpm) were triggered when I relaxed after sprinting too strenuously on the rowing machine, but I’ve now deliberately reduced my exertion level. Once your husband has had an Echocardiogram to check his heart structure and function, occasional bouts of AF shouldn’t require treatment if his heart’s in good shape and he can put up with the transient breathlessness until it reverts to NSR. His CHA2DS2-VASc score will indicate whether the medics advise anticoagulation for stroke prevention. I’m not taking an anticoagulant yet (too many inadvertent knocks in the gym!) but my statistical stroke risk will rise with age so I may add one to my daily aspirin in due course.

[HotGuacamole]

I have never heard of calling an ambulance for a bout of atrial fibrillation that lasts a few minutes. You need to see someone besides a GP. That's how mine started, and I couldn't get my primary care provider to take me seriously the several times I told him about it. It was confirmed by my Fitbit, and he dismissed that, too. Finally it progressed to lasting up to 20 hours at a time (it always progresses), and I practically yelled at him. He sent me to a cardiologist finally and it was diagnosed. It can be hard to catch at that level is the problem, but if you get a Kardia your husband can probably catch it himself. At that level, probably the only treatment he will need is something like a "pill-in-the-pocket," meaning a pill at the time afib is detected. That worked for me for a while.

[Maglyn]

Has your husband seen an electrophysiologist? Would recommend but may have to go down the private route, but well worth it for peace of mind. Good luck.