Atrial Fibrillation

[angusthedug]

I was diagnosed with AF in May last year, and while it normally only lasts a maximum of thirty minutes, usually much shorter, twice now it has gone on for several hours and I have had to attend hospital for treatment.

The first time, when I didn't know exactly what was happening, I waited twelve hours before doing anything, and the second time ten hours.

Is there any guidance anywhere on how long you should let it go before seeking medical help?

Many thanks.

[BHFnurse_Julie BHF Nurse]

Hi there,

I would chat this through with your GP.

You may need to chat through your treatment options (so you don't need to attend hospital when the AF 'comes on'). You may already know, there are lots of different options to control AF these days including a 'pill in the pocket' which lots of people find useful for AF that comes and goes.

Please do call our nurses on the Helpline if you'd like to chat through these options further: 0300 330 3311.

All the best to you,

Julie

[BobDRedfish]

I don't know how long is sensible (I am not medically qualified) but my AF went on for 13 days before I went to the Doctors, so the rate was continually above 150 for at least 2 weeks, and then only partially controlled by medication until a cardioversion about 6 weeks later.

My understanding is that as long as the rate is under control you should be ok in Afib if it re-occurs (although 8 weeks continuous is a bit keen )