Slow Atrial Fibrillation

[CDreamer]

Another excellent article written by Nikhil Ahluwalia on bartsaf.com on slow AF.

I note seeing an increasing number of posts on slow AF and notice myself that as I have aged the rate has reduced - this article describes exactly what may cause this and the important differences in the 3 known causes and how important it is to investigate which reason is causing slow HR as it determines how it may be treated.

I’ve been around AF now for 15 years but until now hadn’t quite grasped the nuances of slow AF!

A lot of confusion can occur when slow AF is detected, and it can lead to misunderstandings that result in mismanagement. The first step is to break down what is meant by the term ‘slow AF’, as it can represent one of three different issues:

AFib with a slow ventricular rate

Reversion pauses after AFib

AFib with complete heart block

Hope that is of help to others who were perplexed about Slow AF.

[gordon1947]

I have AF which never causes my heart rate to rise. My pulse is generally below 60 (normally around 48 bpm). I was diagnosed in 2017 but no-one has ever explained my condition to me. I have often unsuccessfully searched the WEB for information on this. I am physically fit and only puff when walking uphill. How can I find more information on my condition.

[baba in reply to gordon1947]

afa.org.uk/

Lots of information on the AF Association web site

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[JackyMac]

Hi CD, should there be a link,?

[JackyMac in reply to JackyMac]

Ignore that!

[fairgo45]

Does this give any hope for those of us with permanent afib ?

[Jalia]

Agree. Really great article. I'm having terrible symptoms with slow AF at this moment following the pacemaker implant bit ...5 weeks ago..of my AVN ablation. My arrhythmia nurse arranged for my pacemaker settings to he reviewed this morning and adjustment made. I can hardly wait for the ablation as still very exhausted.

[CDreamer in reply to Jalia]

Hope things improve for you very soon.

[baba]

Some people in this forum think that slow AFib is less symptomatic than fast AFib, I know from personal experience that it's not always the case.

[Jalia in reply to baba]

I can certainly vouch for that ! I was one of those who thought that until , after 30+ years of fast AF I'm now having slow AF whilst waiting for my AV node ablation.

[baba in reply to Jalia]

I hope it will make life better for you, you have had an eventful journey.

[ForensicFairy]

Most common is af with a slow ventricular rate and this is most often caused by the medications you’re put on to control af, and av node issues for others.

[Jalia in reply to ForensicFairy]

Mine started after my 5th ablation. No change in meds

[ForensicFairy in reply to Jalia]

It doesn’t need a change in them. It doesn’t happen for everyone on the drugs either.

[Jalia in reply to ForensicFairy]

Mine started after my last ablation...endo/epi....just never expected to be so symptomatic with slow AF but still preferable to fast AF! We live and learn !

[ForensicFairy in reply to Jalia]

I never realised how complex the cardiac system was until I started to have issues. Always learning and I never stop.

[baba in reply to ForensicFairy]

I wasn’t on medication.