Hi reading other peoples

[Contact1]

listening to other people stories I’m getting a little concerned that I should be doing something. I have PAF but every 10 -14 days my heart goes stupid with bpm going up and down one minute over 100bpm then down to 80/70/60 and up again. This can last from 12-18hrs plus. It does tire me but I don’t let it beat me and carry on regardless. I think I bury my head about it really. Should I worry should I be doing something?

[CDreamer]

It really depends upon what you mean about ‘doing nothing’. Have you been diagnosed by a medical doctor? Different people and doctors have different perspectives and priorities about AF. Have you been assessed to see if you would benefit from taking prophylactic anticoagulant to reduce the risk of AF induced stroke? If not, that would be your first priority. Have you had an echocardiogram to check heart structure? If so and all is clear then you may not want further interventions.

After clearing both of the above I would say that treatment would then be optional and as the med option can leave some feeling a lot worse than without meds and ablation is not always a lasting option, if your heart rate doesn’t exceed 100 and you are not that symptomatic that it stops you functioning it really is your choice. Some people become very anxious with AF and cannot bear the symptoms, some people may be at risk of developing Heart Failure if nothing is done and some people have very high heart rates when in AF which could lead to more dangerous arrhythmias so to summarise:-

Anticoagulants - first line treatment

Rate Control - second line treatment

Anti-Arrythmia treatments would be - meds, cardioversion, ablation and/or pacemaker.

Do nothing and risk persistent/permanent AF - many people do live and live quite well in persistent/permanent AF as for many they don’t suffer the symptoms that Paroxysmal AF brings as you body gets used to the AF and adapts.

The option that suits you are best discussed with a specialist having underdone a thorough work up of bloods, ECG and echocardiogram at the minimum. Unfortunately getting to see a specialist cardiologist is not always easy so it may also depend upon where in the world you live?

[Contact1 in reply to CDreamer]

Hi, thanks for reply, sorry I should have said, yes on Apixaban and Nebivilol. I have echocardiograms every 3 years had 2 so far. Heart structure okay. Due an angiogram end of next year last one would have been 5yrs. It’s just I read all the people talking about the treatments they are having and thought should I be doing more. My heart does go above 100bpm but doesn’t stay there for long. I think I’m probably okay dealing with it at the moment. 😊

[Buffafly]

Hi, I skimmed your previous posts and see you are on Nebivolol and Apixaban and generally not happy with your situation - not surprising. It seems you haven’t been offered an antiarrhythmic to prevent episodes, not quite sure why? That is something I would want to know if I were you. It does look as though you may be heading for permanent AF which many people do find easier to live with. But if you want to avoid that you need an ablation. I suspect you’ve accepted your AF, not meekly, but without expressing your feelings forcefully either. Or you may just have one of those consultants who ‘doesn’t believe in ablations’.

So it’s not a case of ‘should I do more’ but ‘do I want more’. Sometimes just being aware of your options helps you to feel better.

[Contact1 in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you for your reply, I see flecainide coming up quite often maybe I need to ask about this, though I don’t really want more pills but if it helps maybe worth it. 🙂

[BenHall1]

I was originally diagnosed with paroxysmal AF in Jan 2010. My Cardiac consultant, back in the day did pretty much what CDreamer says. In other words he started me on Warfarin and Bisoprolol. Even though there are new anticoagulants available I have tried one of them ( Edoxaban ) and had unpleasant side effects. So, I told my GP .... no more messing around, its back onto Warfarin. No problems since. Still the same result though - anticoagulant and beta blocker. Currently my newish Cardiac Consultant has chosen Sotalol and agrees with staying on Warfarin. I have to say, back in the beginning the original Cardiac Consultant did discuss all my options, including an ablation but I declined to go down that road.

I should add that my original diagnosis also included a warning that I could be asymptomatic .... in other words .... I could be in AF and not experience any symptoms, which, is a bit of a two edged sword.

So far all working like a dream, although I have addressed diet issues and eliminate many foods and ingredients that upset me. I have still made it clear to my new Cardiac Consultant that I wasn't interested in an ablation.

John

[Ppiman]

If you have had a scan and seen a specialist to look at and explain the results and any issues, I would think you are as "all right" as many of us here are. Once the atrium starts to "act up" electrically all kinds of strange heart beats seem to become possible. Some here seem to have "only" AF but many, like me, and you by the sound of it, have all kinds of odd arrhythmias. Do you have a home ECG and maybe could send in a trace? I use the Contec PM20 (same as Emay 6L) these days as it has a nice screen on it and gives a wide range of results straight away.

Steve

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Heck yes.

You need to see a Cardiologist.

Your C will arrange ECG, ECHO and 24hr heart monitor.

Then introduce controls via meds. Control of Rapid Heart Rate and/or BP.

A heart monitor will show just what your heart is doing throughout day and night.

Cherio JOY. 75 b (NZ)

[Buzby62]

I was managing monthly episodes while being monitored and treated by cardiologist like yourself for almost 3 years and they never mention anti arrhythmia treatments like flecainide or ablation. This appears to be what cardiology does. I requested a consultation with an electrophysiologist to discuss other treatment options, not that I wanted them but ignoring them seemed wrong to me. Three months later I had an ablation as my monthly episodes were considered as a lot and likely to progress to persistent AF. It’s a joint decision you have to make with your consultant but you need all the information in my opinion rather than ignoring anything. We’re all different and AF is different for all of us. I’m glad I made the request and I keep a record on my bio.

Best wishes