Can Afib happen only once and never again?

[Ricklong]

Had a bout of AFIB Well over 8 months ago and never again. I was diagnosed as severely dehydrated. Was in hospital for 2 days and put on Amiodorone. When they let me get up and walk I converted to Sinus Rythem. Have since had many tests and no underlying heart problems. Scored a 14.4 Met score on the treadmill test. I'm a 52 year old male that used to drink way to much, not sleep well and stressed about everything. Have since changed my life. My question is can this happen only once and never again and would it be ok to drink a beer or two every now and then? Thanks so much

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Well, it actually can just happen once and never again. I have a friend who was hospitalized with A Fib about 18 years ago and he has never had another episode. It is most likely to be a one time incident if the A Fib is caused by something like an episode of binge drinking or even thyroid problems that are then addressed. I would caution you though at 8 months out, that it may reappear. IN the early years of my diagnosis I often went 1-2 years between episodes. Talk with your doctor about the amount of alcohol that you can tolerate because it can be a trigger for some people with A Fib but usually one drink every now and again is not a problem.

[Ricklong in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thank you for your response. I'll probably never drink again. Always worried it will come back.

[TheStand]

Agree with SRM,

I have heard of those who had only 1 attack but I would say they are few and far between. Many start with only 1 a year or less and that increases as time goes by. I started out with 1 or 2 a year and after almost 13 years was having them 1 or 2 a week. To have an attack means that the heart has developed an additional electrical pathway and that pathway normally does not go away. Over time more pathways are made with additional attacks which makes it easier to enter Afib. AF does not require any underlying heart problems. I was about 9 years into my AF when I had a heart cath and just about every other heart test you could imagine and was told that my heart is in great shape but I still was having attacks every week. Studies have suggested that AF could be tied to both drinking and dehydration.

Have you been taking the Amiodarone since then?

Amiodarone is one of the best and strongest of the rhythm control meds but it carries some very bad side effects.

Tim

[Ricklong in reply to TheStand]

I have been off the Amiodorone for over 5 months. Doctors have me on Diovan for blood pressure. This has just caused such anxiety. I find myself constantly questioning different sensations.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to Ricklong]

The anxiety can get the best of you with this if you don't do something to try to relieve it. Yoga is proven to lower blood pressure (which can lessen your risks of A Fib) and it really reduces anxiety. I also use acupuncture to lessen anxiety and decrease blood pressure. Exercise, when cleared by your doc, releases those endorphins to bring on the calm and helps to keep your heart healthy. Being proactive is the key. Don't let this just happen to you. Do your best to be as healthy as you can and that includes whatever it takes to find your way to a calm place. You can do it!

[Ricklong in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thanks so much for your reply. I feel better just talking to someone. I,

i am trying everything to calm down. Have been a very high strung person my whole life. My primary doctor thinks the dehydration caused the AFIB. I remember drinking way to many diet cokes the day before this happened. I have read much about Aspartame being a trigger. Just want to stop thinking about it and live a normal life. Thanks again and God bless you and yours.

Rick

[Aprilbday in reply to Ricklong]

Rick,

Just checking in. Are you still posting on here? How are things now?

[Oldiemoldy in reply to Ricklong]

Fizzy water with a bit of cranberry juice has become my new best friend:).

Good luck!

[Aprilbday in reply to SRMGrandma]

Hi SRM, Hope you are still writing on here. Question for you: Do you have bleeding concerns with acupuncture? I am assuming that you are on Anticogulation meds. Thank

You

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to Aprilbday]

Hi April. Of all the acupuncture needles I've had inserted over the years, including years on an anticoagulant, I've had one tiny drop of blood, just one time

[Aprilbday in reply to Aprilbday]

Thank you. I am grateful for your encouragement to do as much as possible. Your strength is strength for me.

[TheStand]

At this early stage of AF it is almost impossible to catch it. I have 2 pieces of advice that I would give in your situation.

First... If it does start again head for the hospital to get an ECG while it is happening. Any Dr you see, especially an EP ( the specialists that handle heart rhythm problems) will need that to diagnose and treat it.

I would speak to a dr and ask about the need for an anticoagulant. The number one concern with AF is the possibility of developing a clot due to pooling blood in the heart while having an attack and causing a stroke. Anyone who has AF should be educated on the dangers of stroke.

I hope that you never have another attack but, do what you can to be ready in case it does.

Tim

[Ricklong]

I did see a very reputable EP after all of this. He seemed not very concerned and said we just have to see how this plays out. He gave me Flecanide? To take if I ever have another attack. I'm not on any anti coagulants. I have been feeling very good other than the anxiety. I was told by the GP that the dehydration and stress played a large role in it happening. In the hospital my magnesium and potasium were very low. What kind of diet should I pursue. I do eat a lot of fresh fruit. Thanks for all your help. I feel so much better knowing there are people to talk to. God bless you and yours.

Rick

[Bagrat]

First I'm swearing silently as I've just written a long reply and it's disappeared!!

I have high levels of anxiety and try to practice "mindfulness" which you may like to google - have also messaged you with an exercise from the Yahoo AFA Group. I have paroxysmal AF of the lone ( as far as anyone can tell) variety and take regular Flecainde. Have recntly started warfarin as I am an old hag ( over 65 and female) so get a 2 on the chads2 vasc score thereby classing me as at risk.

To cheer you, .my husband at the age of 51 or thereabouts ( 18 years ago) went into AF in circumstances I won't embarrass you with! This lasted 4 or 5 days and he was put on warfarin and was returning for his first blood test ( driving himself) when he went back into NSR. He has been hypertensive since his 30's. They in their wisdom stopped his warfarin and he had no further episodes till last May when he went in to AF on holiday ( not alcohol related,no trigger) and is now in permanent AF but with no symptoms other than occasionally being aware of his heart beat irregularity. We both feel well ( in spite of OH having a heart attack 8 years ago) and are now approaching 70!!!

I would suggest you only avoid YOUR triggers not everyone elses as they are very idiosyncratic and you might end up standing in a corner chewing on a banana or drinking tomato juice ( both high in potassium I believe). You will still have your moments but AF of itself is not life threatening and if you've managed to see an EP after one episode you are in good hands.

[Ricklong in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks so much foe caring to take time and talk to me. It really means a lot. I pray it doesn't happen again. EP says there are instances where it came once and that was it. Don't want to do anything to trigger it. Out of everything I quit. I really miss a beer. I know I used to drink way to much and I was severely dehydrated. GP says this is what triggered the AFIB. I know stress also played into it. EP seemed not very concerned. Gave me Flecanide to take if I ever feel it again

[scotcitz in reply to Ricklong]

Hi just stumbled on to this and I know it's been a while,but I was in the same boat and did find a useful answer finally. Take your pulse regularly or even just download an app for your smartphone that will do it for you. Afib is linked to irregular pulse so l this will really empower you to have some data. I share your pain -- one afib episode when dehydrated during surgery and now I feel like I have a big scarlet AF pinned to me forever. When a doctor finally told me that the best way to check is to keep on eye on my pulse every few days and if I picked up it was irregular even at rest then to go see my cardiologist again. Hope this helps -- it's a very frustrating, scary journey into the world of Afib.

[markk]

Hey Rick! I had the same thing happen to me last week. I was home after work…. I must not have been eating well or drinking enough water and I passed out in my bathroom while peeing and woke up on the floor. Thank god my Brother was up stairs in his apartment because he rushed me in the car to then ER.. where I promptly projectile vomitted in the parking lot of the ER. The Dr and nurses got my breathing under control but my heart went into AFib. My magnesium and potassium levels were really low… they pumped me full of saline and potassium chloride all night and gave me magnesium tablets. The next morning they gave me a little pill to slow down my heart (which scared me) and I could feel my heart catching the rhythm. That was last week. I have been walking around with my fingers on my wrist feeling my pulse all day every day since then. It was very scary and now I'm terrified that this will happen again. I'm a beer drinker but usually one per night with dinner. I have been under stress though. I'm getting married on Saturday. Im Happy for sure but the whole process is stressful. We're pretty insular people and this huge wedding has been planned and its' getting real and its just a lot to handle. my mind is elsewhere. That's what probably helped prevent me from paying attention to what I've been eating.

I read your post and was like…. that's me! lol I'm a tad younger…39 but what ever. How are you feeling now and have you had any other attacks. Thanks

mark

[bbzlucille]

I have had A-Fib only onetime , which was on my last birthday celebration evening ! I had a wonderful dinner with one glass of wine. Then later went dancing and had half a beer. Danced one dance and my heart was beating so hard and fast I knew it was something more than dancing. I came home , took my blood pressure pill, without any relief . I went to ER , all down hill from there. Long story short, they had the paddles ready after trying medications that weren't effecting my heart to slow it down, but finally I converted on my own. Worst night ever , wouldn't wish it on anyone. Since this episode I have been to ER 4 times thinking it was A-Fib only once, after that , I felt like something else was wrong because each time my blood pressure went sky high, here it is 8 months later , no A-Fib that can be proven yet, something is effecting my blood pressure to spike 1-2 times a day.... had so many tests and found nothing. Anyone have any ideas ? I am going to see a second heart Dr soon. My regular blood pressure medication is not controlling these spikes.

[Mdubbydub in reply to bbzlucille]

These are my symptoms to a T. Did you ever figure out what was wrong? I'm on BP medication, daily fleccanide, and a beta blocker and have had the BP spikes. I have had echo's, stress test, calcium scan, ekgs too many to count and all say healthy heart. Need to find out what is really going on.

[expences in reply to bbzlucille]

Hi, I was just browsing and saw your post. I had a similar problem and it turned out to be caffeine. No caffeine at all for me and no problems. No tea, green tea, coffee, coca cola and less chocolate. I wont even have decaf anything.

Just drink Rooibos tea and some herbal infusions occasionally.

After googling it, I found out that some people lose their ability to metabolize caffeine and it becomes a problem. Before that I could drink anything without a problem.

Good luck hope this is the reason. Makes it easy.

Brenda.

[sandy1952 in reply to bbzlucille]

Hi. I am just recently having the spikes. I was put on amlodipine 5 mgs shortly before my ablation a year ago. Everytime I had afib my blood pressure jumped. Later I started having blood pressure spikes about 6-8 hours after my morning dose so they added another 5 mgs to the already 5 to take in the evening then I still get somewhat jumps. But I get etoptic beats and skipped beats. Has this been taken care of for you? Thank You. Sandy

[mms128]

Hi, I'm jumping in the middle of the post I think. I never do chats so I wasn't sure where to reply. I'm a 49 year old female..non drinker, non smoker, no caffeine, chocolate or any drugs. I had an episode of a fib literally out of nowhere about a month ago while driving. I had to call 911 and was admitted to the hospital overnight and given cardizem and heparin blood thinners until I went back into a normal sinus rhythm .. I've had SVT's since I was around 14 years old and was told they were harmless, just a bother. The a fib scared the life out of me. I knew immediately that it was something entirely different than my usual tachycardia. so, I went to my cardiologist a week later and he told me that because I had bronchitis at the time of my episode that was the cause. I've had ekg's.. echo cardiograms,.. halter monitor tests,, blood gas tests and a bunch of other stuff.. all came back normal.. I'm praying so hard that this never happens again. I've had anxiety non stop and hate to go anywhere in case it happens. the hospital gave me a script for Cardizem but it gave me a rash and my cardiologist said I didn't need it anyway. Aside from having bronchitis I was taking chewy vitamin D gummies. I figured that bcoz I was deficient in Vitamin D I would take extra so i ate a bunch of the gummies. I read that too much Vitamin D can in fact induce A fib.. on top of everything else I do have MAJOR amounts of stress in my life.. my father passed away a year ago and my episode hit literally 5 days before the 1 year anniversary of his death. plus lots of other stuff.. I pray for everyone who has ever had this happen.. the heart rhythm didn't really scare me bcoz I've had my heart rate jump to 300 beats a minute while in SVT mode.. when they said blood clots and stroke that immediatly caused anxiety..

[placidly in reply to mms128]

Hello there...I just happened to read your post on this site about AFib. I had my first episode of Afib year ago next month. I am 47 year old female, overall in good health and this came from nowhere....I was dehydrated with low potassium as well as I was on too much thyroid medicine. This ordeal has pushed me into high anxiety mode that I am not able to shake. Just the fear of this happening again is so overwhelming to me that I am not sure how to deal with it. I have went to the ER 3 or 4 times within this past year convinced I was having another episode...only for the doc to pump me full of valium and send me on my way "relaxed". All heart tests are coming back normal so I should be happy camper and count my blessings...and I wish I could.

Have you, or anybody who might read this, found any specific way to manage the anxiety? I am just curious to see how others are dealing with the anxiety...I would love to be able to enjoy life again...too precious to waste worrying. I am withdrawing from social interaction, I am withdrawing from any travel and if I absolutely have to travel I literally map my routes according to hospital locations....

This is no way to live. Any advise, tips, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly.

[MsDelta in reply to placidly]

Hi Placidly, I was inspired to reply to yours specifically, because I think I have the “secret” for how not to worry about afib, even though I’m new to afib (three episodes total in 3 weeks, under 15 hours total). I didn’t go to the ER with them, probably because my Ex suffered monthly with 21-hour afib attacks while waiting them out at home for years, after going to the ER with the first half dozen of them with no advantage, so I guess I was less freaked out than if I’d had no experience with them. And that secret (?) is this: I’m choosing not to count or keep track of my heart beats/pressure (like my Ex did), because that puts my focus on what I do NOT want to happen, not to mention causing anxiety, and instead, to know - KNOW! that I have COMPLETE CONTROL and power over my dear, loyal heart. True..events can still happen without my planning, but once they do, I know I can stop it. I did this twice last weekend, by (now..I’m going to sound all woo-woo here, but please try to bear with me) 1) aligning myself with who I truly am-the most honest part of me (that is all I’ve become, and believe, and have desired up to this point in my 64 years), 2) finding that place of love, happiness and appreciation for all I have, so that I’m coming from a place of feeling good and positive regardless of my present condition, and being free of doubt and fear; And finally, being ready for 3) directing what I know is my God-given power to help my body...in this case, calming my heart. By finally taking these steps, I quickly ended two afib episodes (4 hrs and 8 hrs) last weekend..by remembering, or reminding myself, that I have power over my body’s cells, heart, etc, by what I feel and believe. The first time (after hours of just trying to be calm with no results), I began telling myself these truths about the power I have while silently, internally, beating the speed and rhythm in my mind that I wanted my heart to have. In seconds, both strength and speed of beats were normal. And the second time, it was from listening to my “guru” channel on YouTube (“Abraham-Hicks”) talk about health, and within a minute of hearing some words of the video, which again, I already believed to be true, but needed reminding, the afib episode was over. These two incidence gave me happy proof again of our power if we’re in a positive, doubt-free state. Now..with how worried you have been over this, I know it may not be possible to change your beliefs overnight, but start small: start with statements you do believe to be true, like remembering the times in your past where outcomes happened just as you utterly believed or knew they would. You may not have thought much about it at the time, figuring you were just smart or lucky. But try to remember how you were feeling or thinking just before-hand, or how you felt with the prayer you might have made. And conversely, think of the times when inconvenient things happened - shortly before-hand, were you feeling angry, frustrated or hopeless? You can gradually work yourself up to truly believing (because it’s true!) that we are all extensions of God, or Source Energy, that creates worlds. With that confidence, and knowing that you have connection to God (or source energy) Itself, you can successfully, fearlessly, lovingly support and guide your body to do exactly as you want it to. Fortunately and wonderfully, our bodies normally do this perfectly without our paying any attention. But should something jumble-up its normal action, like the things we do that create afib, then we can take over! and guide our body back to where it needs to be through 1) realigning ourselves, 2) getting into a state of appreciation and love for all we have, and 3) knowing that our bodies will always hear us. They are constantly hearing us, like a baby in the womb: if we’re constantly worried, our cells and organs feel that worry, and eventually may succumb by showing up in health problems. But then, be rest assured that if addressed before our dying days, we can correct it!

With my very first of three afib episodes, 3 weeks ago, I believed that the erratic, strong beating for two hours was caused by low blood sugar, so I finally drank 4 oz of orange juice, and within seconds of doing that, it all ended. But again, our health is about what we believe to be true, isn’t it? Whether it’s with a placebo, a doctor we trust, or a prayer we feel is heard. Conversely, if we worry, or feel vulnerable, or doubt, etc., we are not very affective. So practice getting into a good-feeling state, regardless of conditions, because when you’re in that state, you hold the power! I wish you all good things and hope that you find a way to feel safe and sure!

[Likethecolorblue in reply to MsDelta]

Thank you! I am 82 yrs old. Have had afib 4 times in about 4 years. All four sent me to the hospital with really bad chest pains (had cardio version twice). Was going to have heart ablation last week but they said I have copd and would not do the procedure. Now the doctor wants me to go into the hospital for three days to put me on medication (it takes three days to determine the correct dosage. I was thinking just yesterday how I have enjoyed a healthy life, have a wonderful family and a good life overall. I told my husband I am not going to stress myself over trying to get "fixed" and stressing over it. I really believe what you have posted. When doctors tell you you have copd when you are 82 and can work in your yard trimming shrubs, digging weeks, raking leaves and filling 14 large leave bags of trimmings for 4 hours a day for 3 days, I don't believe my copd is that bad! I do smoke and because of that, doctors seen to only believe that is the cause of my problem. I realize it can contribute to bad health, but fortunately I have had good health even after smoking for 60 years. Anyway, just venting but thank you for your post and validating what I believe to be true.

[JanisK in reply to Likethecolorblue]

Hi, I will be 75 soon, have been in good health till I had this racing heart, no lightheadedness, no pain, jut felt my hear palpitating, etc. I spent 3 days in the hospital whereby my heart on its own would go back to normal, but then spike up again, I am taking blood thinners, anti A-fib and a low dose of blood pressure medication. What I am wondering, I still feel (just sometimes) that my heart is faintly palpitating, I check my blood pressure and pulse, pulse very normal. I sit normal to have some mild sensations until your body gets use to the medication?

[bennie06]

Of course it can only happen once. Take a positive mental attitude otherwise you will always be waiting for ""the sword of Damocles". Life is for living and not for worrying about what may/may not happen. Good luck and enjoy your life....free of AF.

[lip123]

Hi I'm philip im new to all of this and scared I'm just turned 34 and in good health( 12 n half stone, dont smoke) I love to socialise and have been drunk many times( had few palpatations when hungover before but ecgs been fine) but 2 weeks ago after a wedding where I drank alot(8 beer 2 glasses red wine few gin and 1 jagerbomb) and ate alot I came home to bed and awoke to my heart went nuts was 190 on ambulance then went to hospital they give me different meds including amiodarone to help but heart was out of rythym jumping between 110 and 150,, they told me if it didn't come back to normal they where going to do cardio version or shock next morning ,,, thank the Lord that night after sleeping for few hours (24 hours later) my heart came down to roughly 70 I had refurbed,, he said I was too young for blood thinners and strong beta blockers as they would make me tired I only take propanolol now,, like u I want to enjoy socialising again but will never be binge drunk again as I was in afib,, I'm hoping this will only happen once and getting encouragement from some of these replys ,,, I feel myself anxious nervous and depressed about all this and don't want it to ruin my life ,,,currently heart is good but praying it stays that way,,, have u any more knowledge after 5 years??? I mean is my heart now different than it was before( no family history of heart problems),,, im also a highly strung person but have a lot to live for!!!! ???

[Hidden in reply to lip123]

Hello Philip. It's not good, is it, when your heart goes bonkers and it's wonderful when it gets back to its usual self. Well, you know now what the penalty is for overstepping the mark, so pay some attention to your lifestyle and don't overdo things and you could go for many, many years without further problems. Common triggers are also too much caffeine and excessive exercise. It doesn't have to rule and ruin your life, so arm yourself with knowledge. AF can be keen to jump in and you need to be one step ahead. Good luck!

[lip123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply yeah it scared the life outta me thought I was a goner,,, been 2 weeks heart is in good rythym but so anxious about it all cause all the stories I read. I will never overstep the mark again but I'm going to quit drinking for 6 months to a year and hopefully when I do it will jus be a few pints 4 or 5 at most,,, I won't mix drinks or anything,,, wondering if I should take magnesium tablets as a trigger seems to be if your low on that but il talk to my doctor who hopefully refers me to a ep,, thanks for your advice rellim 2 😊

[Hidden in reply to lip123]

You're welcome. I was ten years older than you are when I started to have minor problems. Nearly thirty years on, I don't feel I have become much worse. I had children in my late thirties and have made a point of keeping fit and eating well as it's not much fun in your childhood to have aged parents.

[Sue5453]

I got it one year then never got it again for 4 years then gone and been nearly 2 years now with out it then it came on for two hours then went again and hope it dosent come back but only on Apixaban as dident want to go Amiodorone so just have to stay on Apixaban

[Lukas674]

Hi everyone, I've had AFIB once in my life during my visit to Canada (I'm from Europe)

I've been under a lot of stress because I was working, writing my final thesis and working out with little sleep. During my visit i barley had any sleep because of the jet lag and had a few beers in a jacuzzi and my cousins. Thats when I went to Afib and was rushed to the ER. They were preparing to restore my normal rhythm with electricity but while waiting for it to happen (Had to wait because i ate not long ago) my heart rhythm came back to normal by itself (Horrible feeling which i never would like to expierience again)

I had all my tests done back home and everything came back good. But the constant anxiety after this expierience was horrible. I was afraid of doing the simplest things like walking up stairs because I was afraid of my own heartbeat being a bit too fast. Panic attacks and other things came out of this fear. Anyway It took almost a year for my to come back doing regular things in my life like sports and stuff and I never had one happen again, but it haunts me till today that this might happen and I do read alot about it. Hopefully it doesent and I hope it never happens to anyone of you guys, stay healthy!

P.s The scariest part of the story is that I was 23 at that time. The youngest person with this case for the doctor that treated me in Canada. Back home my doctor said they had a 19 year old, but he had heart problems.

[Fighter_mj in reply to Lukas674]

So may I ask how old are you now?

[Lukas674 in reply to Fighter_mj]

I'm 25 at the moment.

[Alialialiali in reply to Lukas674]

Hey Lukas, Did you had any attack since then? Hope you didn’t

[Lukas674 in reply to Alialialiali]

Hi there, luckily I haven't had a second attack since then.

[Alialialiali in reply to Lukas674]

Im super glad to hear this.

Your story is kinda similar to mine considering the young age (Im 26m with good physical shape) had my first attack a week ago and got to sinus rythm after approximately 13 hours after injections of varapamil, adenosine, metoprolol and finally DC cardioversion, it was horrible experience my Cardiologist i met the next day told me that i didnt need all of that drugs also they shouldn’t give me the DC shock back in ER because i was stable and my BP was within normal rangr he said an infusion of amiodarone was enough.

All of the investigations was normal EKG, echo, thyroid function test, potassium and sodium. He only put me on bisoprolol 5mg once a day, do you take any beta blocker?

Anxiety on top, i was just like waiting for my next episode and checking my pulse rhythm every minute, but your words just made me calm that you didnt had any attack since your first one, Hope me, you and everyone never experiences this again

[danlovell1993 in reply to Alialialiali]

Hey im 29 (M) had for about 6 years. But havnelt had a major attack since I am on a BB. How are you doing since?

[tenlittlehappy in reply to Lukas674]

Hello Lukas674,

I am very glad to hear that you haven't had a recurrence since your first time. I recently had a two-day incident, which may or may not have been afib ( I stupidly didn't go to the ER) so it makes me happy to hear your story. I hope you are doing well.

[bennie06]

Yes.

[Starchild18]

Good you have changed your lifestyle. Afib unfortunately can reoccur at any time. I was originally diagnosed with AF about 5 years ago and never had another episode. Then 2012, for no reason had another bout of AF, and then not again until this year. Even at ER, they could not get me back Into sinus Rhythm. So, they took me to hospital and they cut me loose two days later and was still in AFib. My doc prescribed me Diltiaziam ER 180mg caps along with my Metoprolol 200 mg daily and that combo did the trick. Back in sinus rhythm. You can live a happy long life with Afib but once you have it you can control it but to completely get rid of it is questionable.

[Hidden]

How just saw this are you on bisoporol I haven't had a drink for 2 months and wouldn't mind a couple of beers but I am frightened as I don't want to miss my tablet but don't want to take it and have a beer in had a beer before I started taking them regular and was OK had loads of water the next day you should be OK but if your taking beta blockers I don't know if it would affect it

[Peony4575]

Am in a similar position in that I had an episode of AF five months ago as a result of an electrolyte inbalance caused by Celebrex a prescription non steroidal pain killer . I hope very much it’s a one off and I guess we don’t hear about those people some of them may never even present at hospital . The truth I guess is we don’t know if it will happen again. If we repeat the behaviour that caused the problem then it probably will . Now there is a focus in our hearts capable of causing AF it’s certainly more likely to happen again than in someone who never had it . I was probably in hospital about 8 hours. They gave me two bisoprolol tablets and two amiodarone tablets and it reverted quite quickly .As to whether you can drink I don’t think anyone can give you a guarantee in advance .Nice to meet someone in the same position . Good luck

[Nerja2012]

Hi, From the age of 25 I was told I had an irregular low hearbeat, over the years experienced dizzy spells etc, then at the age of 65 after a bout of pnuemonia I had my first experience of A fib, Doc wasn't concerned unless it happened again which it did at the age of 71 which was 5 years ago, I am now diagnosed as having P A F, episode maybe every 10 months. I take low dose Bisoprolol and Apixiban. Whether it will progress as I grow older I don't really know. I am very fit and healthy and count myself very lucky when I read some of the stories.

[MrGC314]

Hey Rick, I have the same exact thing going on. I was diagnosed once and once only in October of 2020.. Never again. I bought a Kardia and check it daily, 3 or 4x) All my physicals have not revealed it ever again. I was put on that dreadful Eliquis ... $$$$$ ... You didn't mention whether or not you were on a blood thinner. In answer to your question, you and I are both living proof (among others, I'm sure) That afib can appear once or twice in a lifetime and never again. Ask your cardiologist to put a 30 day monitor on you. If it comes back clean, I would say, your one time is the only time. I'm not a doctor. I'm just a patient that cannot tolerate blood thinners or statins. My cholesterol is great and my calcium score was moderate. God bless.