Persistent active AFib while on meds

[GrandpaOf2]

I have had AFib since 9/23. I take Metoprolol, Flecainaide, Omeprazole, and Pradaxa. I have had one RFA 10/24 and will be having a PFA in 2 weeks.

18 of the past 28 days I have been in constant AFib including the post 8 days straight. Heart rate has fluctuated between 40 and 134bpm during this period.

My EP hasn’t answered any of my questions so I’m reaching out to see if I need to be more concerned.

[mav7]

What is the average heart rate ? When at 134 does it remain or subside ? Do you have an accurate device to measure ?

Insure the EP or his nurse are aware of your symptoms and all medications. Need to get your heart rate to average below 100 bpm, hopefully lower.

If your symptoms worsen, don't hesitate to go to the ER. Speeds up the process of being seen by the EP.

[GrandpaOf2 in reply to mav7]

The 134 was not sustained. I’m using an Apple Watch and it’s been very reliable. I work say the overall average bpm is in the high 90’s but some readings have been higher (readings are 30 seconds long). The EP is the one that prescribed my meds. PFA is on the 19th.

[redpine]

So sorry to hear about your persistent afib! I wish I could offer you something useful. It does anger me that your EP has not gotten back to you given your eight day run of afib! I find that hard to swallow.

I’ve had two catheter ablations. One 6 years ago and one this last December. I was afib-free for six years until it returned last year in October.

I did not know about the PFA until I read your post and am excited to hear about your experience with it after your recovery. It strikes me as a better alternative to catheter ablation and could be the new wave of the future? Please let us know how it goes. All the very best to you. Bill

[GrandpaOf2 in reply to redpine]

Thanks Bill,

I’m having a cardioversion on Tuesday and the PFA on the 19th.

[GrandpaOf2 in reply to redpine]

I had the cardioinversion done. The procedure went well. Last night (2.5 days post inversion) I was back in AFib. Fortunately the event only lasted a few hours and note back in sinus rhythm. Still having a PFA next week.

[redpine in reply to GrandpaOf2]

Thanks for the update! You lasted a bit longer on your cardioversion than I did, but it’s still a blip on the screen and a disappointment.

I met with my EP yesterday for my three month follow-up on my second ablation and asked about the PFA. I was surprised to learn he was also doing these but he explained only for those who are undergoing their first ablation. So, I’m happy you fall into that category. Good luck on your procedure and hoping for the best outcome.

[GrandpaOf2 in reply to redpine]

I had a RFA last October, this will be my 2nd ablation but first PFA. I'll post an update sometime late next week with the results of the PFA. For the RFA they kept me overnight.

[redpine in reply to GrandpaOf2]

Interesting. So, no such restrictions on the PFA there. They kept me overnight, too, for first ablation because they wanted to do an upper endoscopy the next day to ensure that my throat wasn’t burned during the ablation. This was not done for my second ablation and I was able to go home the same day.

[Yaxman2]

I had frequent bouts with A-Fib until I got an ablation (cryoablation) in 2018. I have not had an episode since. I take Omeprazole and metoprolol as well, but neither of the other two drugs. I also took Eliquis before the ablation, but I no longer take that.

A Kardia is a great way to measure & record your heartbeat. It also produces an EKG report. They are about $79 on Amazon. I have used one for years!

[GrandpaOf2 in reply to Yaxman2]

Thanks Yaxman, my Apple Watch has a wealth of information on it with heart rate, EKG, sleep, etc.