How to deal with sudden onset of permanent Fib and Tachycardia

[Potatohead123]

I'm new here. Recently diagnosed with permanent Af and tachycardia after chest infection. Taking Flecainide and Bisoprolol. This all happened since 18 Dec and my life has changed in days. Very concerned. Anyone else had this.

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi Potatohead123,

What an unusual name! I am sorry to hear you are worried at the moment. It often comes as a shock to be given a diagnosis related to your heart. I am wondering if the tachycardia you mention was related to the chest infection? Sometimes the heart can beat faster as a way to 'fight' the infection,so the discovery of the AF may be a coincidence,but in a strange way this is good as it has been identified and can be treated. The Bisoprolol should help to reduce the fast rate at which your heart is beating and the Flecainide to try and regulate it. You should be under the care of a cardiologist to review you from time to time. Perhaps your GP is in the process of arranging this? Some people are prescribed anticoagulation medication as well, but again this would be initiated by your doctor.

If you want to discuss things in more detail please give us a call on the heart helpline to speak to one of the nurses.

The number is 0300-330-3311-lines are open Monday- Friday 9-5

[Potatohead123 in reply to Philippa_BHF]

Thsnkyôu Phillipa for getting back to me. I will definitely call the helpline tomorrow as I have had no advice on anything at all. Yes the tachycardia was caused by the chest infection. I have had parozymal Af for years, perhaps once every 2/3 months or less, plus high blood pressure, both controlled by Adizem. To suddenly go from basically nothing to uncontrollable heart rhythm that was hard to control, was a shock to me. PH123