Dc cardioversion for paroxysmal afib -Updated

[Casualvisitor]

SEEN CARDIOLOGIST FACE-TO-FACE. GETTING A 24 ECG DEVICE FROM HOSPITAL TO WEAR AT HOME FOR A WEEK. LETS SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. SORRY ABOUT CAPS.

Morning,

my cardiologist has recommended i have dc cardioversion.

I have only just started suffering from paroxysmal afib ( approx 6 weeks between the 2 episodes).

questions for anyone who had been in the same position.

1) will it fix it or make it worse

2) how has your paroxysmal afib been since getting cardioversion?

3) or did you decline the treatment

thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

First question is how long have you been in AF? A DCCV should convert you to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) and this may last a few minutes , days or weeks. It is NOT a cure for AF but merely shows that you can attain NSR. There is little point if your AF is truly paroxysmal as by definition it converts on its own within seven days.

[Casualvisitor in reply to BobD]

Hi,

I've had two episodes ( 6 weeks apart) and they both have lasted 18 hours, and I resolve back to normal rhythm within 24 hours.

So I might challenge the cardiologist on this.

[Jalia in reply to Casualvisitor]

You wouldn't be having a cardioversion unless you were actually in AF at the time.....there would be nothing to cardiovert. Could be tricky to arrange!

[Casualvisitor in reply to Jalia]

I think my cardiologist hasn't read my notes.....

[BobD Volunteer]

Think you need a different cardiologist!

[Fannyphasbees]

I was in persistent af for 10 months and then had dc cardio version with great success. Not sure about your situation.

[Peacockmumma]

never seen a cardiologist only a phone call. Had PAF for 3 yrs now.

Never been offered anything other than tablets.

Heart went a bit silly in Nov…8 episodes in 16 days..then back to normal. So…On the list, again, for 7 day halter….8 weeks and counting so far of waiting..!

AF been behaving give or take..went a bit silly yesterday but was engrossed in cleaning and clearing out So I just ignored my AF and carry on . lol

[LadyLawson]

if you have a spare £225ish I would recommend finding a cardiologist who is also an electrophysiologist and making an appointment. The reason for this is an ablation might be the right treatment and, if it is - it might not be but if it is - the sooner it’s done the better. Success rates are high for early paroxysmal.

The downside is that, if an ablation is recommended, you would have to pay. But the NHS waiting list is long and AF can progress in the 2 or 3 year wait.

I hope this is helpful.

[Casualvisitor in reply to LadyLawson]

2 to 3 year wait, omg.

[Ducky2003 in reply to Casualvisitor]

That was a bit of a generalised comment by someone as it depends where you live. Not all areas of the country have the same waiting lists, so don't panic about that until you've been told what the waiting list is in your particular area.

[Casualvisitor in reply to LadyLawson]

yup very very helpful

[timelucky]

I have had multiple DC cardioversions over the last 35 years, no big deal, resets the ticker, never had any issues so if you need it then I would say don't hesitate. I also have tried with meds but that never worked for me, although it does for lots of people.

Be Lucky!