Atrial fibrillation

[arty_sax]

8 years ago I had a stent fitted. I've had no problems. But in June last year I developed AF. Put on solatol and apixobam. Had cardioversion 3 weeks ago, back to sinus rhythm. Only lasted 4 days!! Now on amiodarone....only been taking it for 4 days and I'm back to sinus rhythm. Is this normal??? Anyone else on amiodarone??? Scared of side effects but nothing has fallen off yet!!!!

[BobD Volunteer]

Heart surgery is a known factor with AF so you are not alone. Amiodarne is a toxic drug and not usually used long term but here in winter (UK) the photo sensitivty shouldn't be a problem. I suggest you find out how long your dcctors want to keep you on it and ask what checks they will be taking along the way (thyroid, lung function etc)?

[arty_sax in reply to BobD]

They done all the tests before dispensing...yer I'm scared about thyroid and skin and a whole load of stuff...but it's worked sooo quickly...I think I take it until ablation, though the waiting list is over 6 months I think...I thought post ablation you don't have to take it???

[BobD Volunteer in reply to arty_sax]

Hopefully not after a month or so to let the heart heal in peace.

[Jalia in reply to arty_sax]

I have taken it in the past for short time before cardioversion and did not continue taking it afterwards.

[pottypete1]

I’m with BobD on this one.

I am on Flecainide but some years ago after a bout of AF they put me on Ameodarone.

I had bad side effects with Ameodarone and they switched me back to Flecainide.

Pete

[Jalia]

Check with your cardiologist.

Many years ago (32?) when I had my first introduction to AF ( i thought I had a chest infection) I was referred quickly to cardiology where I was prescribed 14 days on Amiodarone with the proviso that if I didn't convert during that time I would be admitted straightaway for dccv. If my memory serves me well I converted on day 7 and stopped Amiodarone.

Heart rate had been 160... they wanted to admit me straightaway but that's another story 🙄

[Ppiman]

Search online for “low dose amiodarone safety” and you’ll stop worrying. I gather AF often does occur after stenting or whatever caused the need. Amiodarone is uniquely helpful it seems so long as the proper precautions are taken.

Steve

[arty_sax in reply to Ppiman]

Thanx...now I'm really worried it says low dose 700 mg per week ..I'm on 600mg per day...OMG.....

[Ppiman in reply to arty_sax]

You needn't at all. That's called a "loading dose" as the drug doesn't easily build up in the system so needs some help at the very beginning.

Steve

[arty_sax in reply to Ppiman]

Ah...okays, yer I was told that!! Is.it normal for the drug to stop AF so quickly??? It's made such a difference, I almost feel completely normal!!

[RF260 in reply to arty_sax]

Put me back in Normal sinus rhythm after 10 days (after 6 months in persistent AF) that was mid January, still on the 200mg maintenance dose until next cardiology appointment hopefully within the next month or so. Just ordered a big wide brimmed hat as weather forecast looks good and don't want to be stuck indoors all day avoiding it. Not sure if cardiology will want me to stay on it, if so might see about going to 100mg and see how it goes.

[arty_sax in reply to RF260]

Will you have cardioversion or ablation??

[RF260 in reply to arty_sax]

I was due Electric Cardioversion mid Feb but as Amiodarone converted me mid Jan that wasn't necessary. I think when I see cardiologist next (hopefully in next few weeks) I will ask about dropping to 100mg a day while I go onto ablation waiting list. If meanwhile I drop back into a fib I may then revert to 200mg to try and convert again.. in terms of Electric Cardioversion I would consider that to try and keep me in nsr until ablation. A few unknowns as ever..

[arty_sax in reply to RF260]

Sound same as me!! How long is waiting for ablation in your area??

[RF260 in reply to arty_sax]

Not sure, hopefully cardiologist can advise when I see them. Bristol is my local centre, I'll assume a year but happy to go on cancellation list..

[Ppiman in reply to arty_sax]

If it wasn’t that it contains a high dose of a salt of iodine, that the body can sometimes struggle to get rid of, I sometimes whether many of us wouldn’t be taking it and feeling just as good as you do.

With luck, a lower modern dosage, then you’re in for a lot of much needed relief. Let’s hope so. I think that will be the case.

I would, though, insist that your surgery marks you on their database to be called in as they deem needed for assessments of your lungs, liver and thyroid, where iodine, I gather, can become deposited and if left untreated, become toxic. Also, more frequent eye tests seem a good idea as, rarely, the eyes can be affected.

I would ask to have a discussion with your doctor about having a chest X ray and liver function test before starting, so you have a baseline for any future changes.

Also, check your skin for blue tinge and make sure your heart rate doesn’t fall too low without telling your GP. And ask about whether to avoid too much sunshine.

Steve