Persistent AF

[racer373]

I was diagnosed with AF last week after noticing a higher heart rate since 30th September. I've seen my cardiologist who has prescribed the following medications:

Bisoprolol 2.5mg

Apixaban 5 mg

Dapagliflozin 10mg

Spironolactone 25mg

sacubitril valsartan 2 x 25mg

I've stopped drinking alcohol, caffeine and eating healthy to reduce some weight. I exercise regularly.

Is it just a case of waiting to see if and when NSR returns, would the occasional drink over Christmas slow the process of NSR returning and should this be avoided!

[Omniscient1]

Hi Racer373, welcome to the club that no one wants to join , but in this forum you have found your people.

You imply that since diagnosis you have a fast heart rate, but that you are not in NSR, does this mean you are asymptomatic? That is, are you aware in yourself that you have this issue? If so this may be how things are for the future. This is like many of us including me.

On the other hand are you in trauma, or is the lack of NSR affecting you? In which case you may pop out of it, which is the experience of many others here, they can advise.

There's lots of stuff you can search for here, and also on the Associations website, read as much as you can!

Gary.

[racer373 in reply to Omniscient1]

Thanks for the welcome!

I think I'm asymptomatic, I have a pulse of 60-65 and generally don't notice that I'm not in NSR. I have only had AF only for 6 weeks. An Echo also showed that my LV was severely dysfunctional so I'm wondering if this a potentially a cause and by improving that with lifestyle choices and medication may help me to return to NSR.......

but of course I' really new to this and still learning!!!

[CDreamer in reply to racer373]

Everyone’s AF journey is individual. Did you get any information as to what the dysfunction of the LV was? Sometimes determining whether another heart dysfunction is the cause or the result of AF is very difficult.

Lifestyle will help and the 2 which are rarely mentioned but top of my list are

1. Stress management

2. Sleep

After that nutrition & exercise and breathing. Many people will tell you what to avoid but few what your should be doing. Hydration is important but when you hydrate you risk depleting electrolytes so ensuring your diet is rich in electrolytes is important. (I note that you the meds you are on include a diuretic and treatment for diabetes fo my caveat would be to take advice from your doctor re hydration and electrolytes). My favourite is a blend of pure coconut water and liquidised water melon, bananas, eggs and plenty of leafy green, nuts and seeds and pulses. Avoid ultra processed foods and of course above all - avoid sugar and eat low carb diet. Sugar = inflammation = ill health and may exacerbate AF.

Some find this really helps, some find taking a magnesium supplement helpful, others find that whatever they do AF persists.

You might like to visit the AFA website and starting reading and look at question to ask your Electrophysiologist, the types of treatment available and what tests and monitoring would apply to you. Normally any underlying conditions which may cause AF are treated first and when they can be controlled, your chances of obtaining NSR rise. Keeping your weight down will help.

You are relatively young so if you can revert back to NSR it may help you longer term to cope with any other health issue that may arise in your life, the EP will be able to give you personalised advice on treatments, appropriate to you.

Hope it goes well and do return and ask questions and read the posts of others, all helps as you will pick up so much information.

Best wishes

[Peacockmumma]

I don’t know all those meds and am not a dr….i gave up caffeine and alcohol made no difference at all to my AFb..if I’m feeling well I will have a drink if socialising , not a heavy one..g&t, vodka coke or a rosé. I don’t generally drink any other time. Life is too dam short that’s what I say to not have a drink when you fancy one.