Atrial Fibrillation

[mulla3224]

Hi, have only this week been told that I am suffering with Atrial Fibrillation, this is all new to me and any advice would be truly appreciated.

Thank You

Hugh

[Kaz747]

Hi Hugh, check out the AF Association group on this site as that’s specifically for atrial fibrillation and there’s a lot of wonderful people there who can answer questions be offer support. Kaz

[mulla3224 in reply to Kaz747]

Thanks Kaz.

[IanMK]

Hi Hugh

Don't worry. You're not alone. It's a very common condition.

It can be very disconcerting to some people (although some others are asymptomatic and aren't aware they even have it). It's not dangerous on it's own, but you should be aware of other risk factors.

As Kaz747 suggests...….

[Hullensian]

Afternoon. I agree with one of the contributors - lots of people living with AF. I as diagnosed in March last year and , after a few months, of worrying about being prescribed Apixaban, found I was not thinking about it every day. Hopefully, you will be the same. I have just been to the doctors (last week) as I am continually tired. After blood tests which all came back clear, this has been put down to the beta-blocker. So, I have a choice, keep taking the beta-blocker and cope with continual tiredness, or stop the beta- blocker - which is protecting my heart - and risk damage to my heart and having a stroke. No choice really. Take the medication prescribed, but ensure you address any concerns to your doctor, and cardiologist if accessible. The BHS site and the AF site are extremely helpful and so are the bloggers. But, we bloggers are not "experts" and can only reassure you.

[Hidden in reply to Hullensian]

I had an episode in 2017, (but had had an ectopic heartbeat on and off for some years, following an overactive thyroid )and went to A&E, and after some potassium and magnesium shots reverted back to normal. I too am on Lisinopril for BP, plus a beta blocker, which I was told to take in the morning, but I now take it at night with the lisinopril, and my BP is stable around 123/67 ish. I take Lixiana because of the AF, and there is history of stroke and heart probs in my family, but I have not had a recurrence. I take electrolytes every day to make sure my mineral levels are right-that's what helps control the sinus rhythm.

[Helen_BHF]

Hi mulla3224 , welcome to the community

There's a few threads on AF you might find helpful:

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[AbFab62]

Hi Hugh, I've suffered paroxysmal (sudden attacks, but comes and goes) AF since my mid twenties, I'm 55 now and still pretty fit for my age. I've always been able to maintain an active lifestyle, climbing, running and surfing. I'm a rope access technician (industrial abseiler) and rescue trainer, which is a pretty physically demanding occupation.

I've been on Sotalol (beta-blocker) for many years, although it doesn't seem work because over the past two of three years my AF has become persistent. At times it does debilitate me a bit, but I'm still able to climb tower cranes, so please don't worry about it too much.

Due to my AF becoming persistent, I underwent a catheter ablation just three weeks ago. Time will tell whether it's worked or not. Fingers crossed. I say this to show you that there are options other than having to live with the condition. As I said, try not to worry, as it's easy to life with, but it does get me down at times, as I'd rather be fully fit. But, hey c'est la vie.

Good luck.

[mulla3224]

Thanks everyone for all of your advice and support. I have an appointment mid October to have a Electrocardiograph, will keep you all updated.