AF always a reason

[Marymara]

Hi everyone, as I said before, I was diagnosed 12 years ago, so called simple AF, no such thing, I kept my rate down as I was on betablockers straight away, now I have diastolic heart failure , so shocked can't really believe it as I was told nothing to worry about, but my life has slowed down like you couldn't imagine.

[mjames1]

Sorry about the diagnosis. "Diastolic Heart Failure" means you have heart failure with a normal ejection fraction and therefore treatments may differ from what we usually consider heart failure where the ejection fraction is reduced.

You've mentioned a rate control strategy in the past for afib, but there is some suggestion that switching to a rhythm control strategy (meds or ablation) may be beneficial not only to prevent heart failure but to reverse its effects.

In any event good luck moving forward, there are now better and more effective treatments for both types of heart failure than ever before.

Jim

[Marymara in reply to mjames1]

Thankyou Jim, but I choose not to go on rhythm control as can be nasty affects, they are now telling me My pulmonary pressures are high ( pulmonary hypertention) and have also found a congenital defect.its all so complex, apparently they told me everyone with AF has high pulmonary pressure?

[mjames1 in reply to Marymara]

they told me everyone with AF has high pulmonary pressure?

Pulmonary hypertension can be associated with atrial fibrillation, especially if it's persistent and under treated, but no, that statement is not universally true. Many of us here with atrial fibrillation do not have high pulmonary pressure.

Jim

[Marymara in reply to mjames1]

Are you certain about that Jim, I believe a lot of people don't even know.

[mjames1 in reply to Marymara]

There are studies that show that afib is common in the pulmonary hypertensive population, but I haven't been able to find the study showing the incidence of pulmonary hypertension in the Afib population. However, if it was 100% as your doctor said, then everyone with afib would be treated for pulmonary hypertension which is not the case.

Jim

[Marymara in reply to mjames1]

Thankyou Jim, its all too much.

[Karendeena in reply to mjames1]

I have low BP with AF

[pusillanimous in reply to Marymara]

I don't think so. My last echo six months ago (I have one annually) says and I quote '...'and the right heart is normal with no evidence for elevation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure'

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to mjames1]

Hi

So if CCB Diltiazem controls my heart rate and BBs don't does that mean I have a Systolic Heart Failure. Even Ace meds did not bring down my S. Figure.

But BB Bisoprolol does bring down my Systolic. In 2022 the cardiologist from Auckland (used to do ablations) said I had a soft systolic heart murmur. Since 2019 at my stoke time no one diagnosed me with that.

Interesting.

And I have a severe dilated Left Atrium. With R.V. regurgitating slightly.

cheri JOY

[mjames1 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

A bit beyond my pay grade, but I don't think that differing response to different classes of blood pressure medications can be diagnostic for systolic heart failure.

Jim

[SamAdmin Administrator Arrhythmia Alliance AF Association]

Good afternoon Marymara

Thank you for your post on Atrial Fibrillation support forum, we understand your concerns with now being diagnosed with 'diastolic heart failure' after having AF for a number of years, has your consultant advised what treatment you could have next?

You may be interested to download our AF & Heart failure booklet, please see below.

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Please let us know if we can help with anything else.

Kind regards

SamAdmin

booklet

[Marymara in reply to SamAdmin]

Thankyou, I am under guys hospital

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Today medical research question whether BBs are the best entry meds for those with AF.

It actual fact I was diagnosed with STROKE (Ischaemic - clot), rapid and persistent AF.

4 days in a Carotid scan showed Thyroid Cancer.

The BB Metoprolol would not control my heart rate proven at 186. Changed to Bisoprolol 1 yr 3 mths later proven 156. I even had pauses at night with Metoprolol.

A private Cardiologist introduced CCB Calcium Channel Blocker Diltiazem 180mg (1/2 full dose). Within 2 hours h/rate fell to 51, Day.

I changed to have 120mg AM. Now 60s Day and retain 47avg PM.

I take Bisoprolol 2.5mg PM for control BP.

What are your readings which you say are controlled. 24hr Heart Monitor is best to prove CONTROL?

Cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[opal11uk]

Yes, I would imagine Mary as the same has happened to me, together with a broken hip and full hip replacement, slow down yes, almost to a stop lol but just keep going xx

[Alteasol]

Hello Marymara,I was diagnosed with PAF and other heart problems including a PFO and pulmonary hypertension four years ago. Three echos (two cheaper privately abroad) said so. A further cardiac catheterization showed I needed a stent but that I definitely did not have pulmonary hypertension. A cardiac c. Is a better test than an echo.

Good Luck!

[Marymara in reply to Alteasol]

Yes, I get that, had loads of echo's it's all in the air, I know what needs to be said and done but you know what's its like as soon as you are in front of the consultant you go brain dead.

[Ppiman]

Hi there - I think, if I were you, I would now press for a cardiac stress MRI, which is the gold standard scanning procedure.

Steve

[Marymara in reply to Ppiman]

Thankyou for all your responses, you really are good better then doctors, so forgive me but I will give you the full picture as I don't think I was clear.