Atrial Fibrillation and Cardioversion - British Heart Fou...

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Atrial Fibrillation and Cardioversion

25 Replies

Hi there, I’m new here.

I’m 53 and my Dad had AF for 15 years before he died last year aged 74 of a bleed in the brain. I was diagnosed in September last year with AF and of course was devastated given my dad had just died.

I’m taking Apixaban, Bisoprolol and Ramipril.

Last Thursday I had a cardioversion and I’m back in rhythm.... I’m just so nervous now that it won’t last.

Has anyone here had a cardioversion that’s lasted a decent amount of time?

Thankyou!

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25 Replies
Kaz747 profile image
Kaz747

Mine lasted 10 weeks 😉

in reply to Kaz747

Oh wow.... did you have another one?

Kaz747 profile image
Kaz747 in reply to

No, I had the cardioversion for flutter, then 10 weeks later went back into flutter and atrial fibrillation. I had an ablation in September which fixed the flutter but I’m still having AFib issues. Doctors are continuing investigations to try and determine the underlying issues causing the AFib.

in reply to Kaz747

Well I hope things improve for you then. Thankyou for replying. I can’t stop worrying that my Fluttery heart will return.... stats seem to suggest it will.

I want to be the one that just has 1 cardioversion and fixed!!

Kaz747 profile image
Kaz747 in reply to

Yep, I was hoping for that too. I seem to be a complicated case so hopefully you’ll be a lot luckier than me.

Arkoia53 profile image
Arkoia53

Mine only lasted 11 days. I'm now stuck in the doldrums after getting referred back to the hospital in early January.

in reply to Arkoia53

Gutting.... I keep thinking mine has flipped back... only on day 4.

I can only imagine how you feel....

good luck 👍

RoyM profile image
RoyM in reply to

Sorry to disappoint you....my Cardioversion lasted 11 hours. But on the bright side its a useful indicator for future treatment and does show your heart is capable of being reverted to NSR. Good luck Roy

in reply to RoyM

So what now for you?

RoyM profile image
RoyM in reply to

I have long ago stopped chasing the holy grail if NSR and accept i am in permanent AF. Luckily, my symptoms are minimal. For me personally i won't be seeking intervention....unless of course things change. Good Luck. Roy

in reply to RoyM

My Dad did that too. He never really worried about getting back the rhythm. Good luck to you too Roy.

Zac11 profile image
Zac11

I'm 71. Had my CV a month ago and am on the same meds as you. My only AF symptom was breathlessness and it was discovered that I also had a blood clot in a ventricle which was cleared by the Apixaban. A month before my CV I was started on Amiodarone and am being kept on it until I can have another echocardiogram to see how my heart is doing while still in rhythm. Amiodarone has had no side effects so far, but it's not recommended long term, just to assist the heart to stay in rhythm. Am getting the tickly cough, mostly at night, with Ramipril, so instead of taking all my meds in the morning, I'm slowly moving towards taking the Ramipril at night instead, in the hope that helps with the cough, or shifts it to daytime when I don't need to get to sleep. Meanwhile, fingers crossed that our CVs keep on working long term. Good luck.

in reply to Zac11

Thankyou and the same to you... a month for you so things are going well!

Nanne profile image
Nanne in reply to Zac11

I take rsmipril at night as my BPZ is so low. Glad the amiodarone works for you. I was so poorly when I took it which was only for 4 weeks but it took 6 months to get out of my system

RoyM profile image
RoyM

I am sorry for your Dads passing. I am not cavalier with regards to my AF I do take an Anticoagulant and 1.25 Bisoporol for rate control. Other than that I am thankful to remain relatively fit at 72 allowing me to swim, cycle, walk and the occasional run for a bus lol. Roy

Thanks Roy. My Dad died of a bleed in his brain but not connected to his AF apparently. He had a laid back attitude and didn’t talk about his AF much.

I’m different.... I am chasing the holy grail. 😏

Norhythm profile image
Norhythm

Mine lasted 3 years, just had my second and hoping it will be the same

in reply to Norhythm

Wow! Fab to know that! Good luck with the 2nd 👍

LenaCourt profile image
LenaCourt

I had a cardioversion in 2005 when I was 66 years old. The consultant told me, before the op. that 90% of cardioversions work first time and if you stay in sinus rhythm for 6 months you will probably stay in sinus rhythm permanently.

As I stepped off the hotel treadmill in New York City (I'm a regular runner and was in NYC for a race) I slipped into A/F -- 3 days before the 6 months were up!!

My 2nd cardioversion in 2007 lasted 6 weeks. The consultant was willing to have another go but advised me against it. His argument was convincing. I'm 80 now, still in A/F and still running at least 3 miles every day. Don't give up

in reply to LenaCourt

Woweee! Amazing .... and inspiring! Thanks 👍❤️

BobDRedfish profile image
BobDRedfish

Depends what you consider a reasonable time :-)

I had my cardioversion in Nov 2017 and no recurrance so far despite being told that I was at higher risk than usual.

It's different for everyone it seems.

in reply to BobDRedfish

Sounds like a reasonable time to me!

clemsonwebdesign profile image
clemsonwebdesign

Hey! I'm 37, Have HCM. I take Sotalol, Eliquis and recently started taking verapalmil. My afib has rvr and bad symptoms due to my HCM. I've had over 35 cardioversions in the last 10 years. Yes. 35..

Some have lasted 6 months. Others a month. It's really like playing the lottery.

I'm working on getting an ablation on the hopes I can get shocked a little less!

outlands profile image
outlands

I was diagnosed with AF at 77yrs, following a massive Chest infection,and following Echo cardiogram etc etc.

My cardiologist offered the Cardio version, but only a 50/50 chance of retention of normal heart

I have constant 62-64 resting heart beat and cycle, tennis ,badminton, walk 12ml +

I have chosen to leave it, save my £2500

Its good to see from others that as long as you are fit, not over weight, you can carry on as normal

so you have a few differing views

CJones73 profile image
CJones73

Hi sorry for your loss, am glad your cardio version worked with close check ups and regular treatment etc you’ll be in good hands they will always inform you if you need further treatment please don’t be afraid to ask your doctor/specialist questions it helps to have a better understanding.

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