Afib attack

[Pinky100]

Hi I’m new to this group I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy heart disease and I had my first Afib attack (afib with RVR) on Thursday called ambulance took me straight to A&E they at to shock my heart back in sinus rhythm I’m terrified it’s going to happen again I have been put on blood thinners and on Bisoprolol

Has anyone had more attacks after there first ? I’m terrified it’s going to happen again and living in fear now 😔

[Healthyheart1]

Welcome to the forum Pinky100, hopefully someone will be along soon. Good luck with everything Sheena x

[siouxbee19]

I also have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and had my first AFib w/RVR (as opposed to just AFib prior) in March 2018, in April I had to start another round of iron infusions due to anemia which doesn't respond to pills, and in May 2018 I had a DVT and PE on top of my other medical issues. I can't help but think they are all related, although my doctors say no.

I post all this just to let you know I totally understand how you feel, it took me a while before I stopped getting so anxious at the thought of another episode. AFib w/RVR was more scary than other arrhythmias I have/had, it just felt different. I had all of these feelings even with my implanted ICD/pacemaker!

What worked for me may not work for you, but I prayed, meditated, did breathing techniques, researched and learned about the condition and AFib w/RVR, and talked to my doctor about my feelings and also to my family, that certainly helped.

Perhaps if you reach out to your doctor/medical team with your concerns, they can set your mind at ease and suggest some coping skills that will help you out.

Please do keep us updated, wishing you wellness...

[Pinky100 in reply to siouxbee19]

Thank you for you reply that’s exactly same as me Afib with rvr don’t really understand what rvr means

I definitely need help with my anxiety can’t live in fear Like this I will ask my doctor Monday I will try breathing techniques

I have always got the funny heart beats but afib is far the scariest Ive had

Have you afib only once ?

Glad you found techniques that help you 😊

[siouxbee19 in reply to Pinky100]

I've had "plain" AFib prior and since the AFib w/Rapid Ventricular Rate (RVR), but only one episode of AFib w/RVR. I've also had many other types of arrhythmias, some benign and some not so benign, such as ventricular tachycardia. Luckily they've all reverted to a normal rhythm without need for an ICD shock or any other treatment besides medication.

I know it's easier said than done, but try to focus on other things to keep your mind busy, and give yourself time and get plenty of rest, stay well hydrated. This all helps with anxiety as well!

There are some great links for more info, let me look those up and I'll repost here.

In the meantime, I need to take my own advice and get some rest, it's already 3:34am here, & I've not slept yet! I hate insomnia! 😁🕊️🌻

[Pinky100 in reply to siouxbee19]

Thank you so much for the advice I will keep hydrated and rest 😊

Please sent any links you have

Do you suffer with insomnia ?

[siouxbee19 in reply to Pinky100]

I hope these help, they are UK based, but similar to the sites I am aware of here in the U.S.

cardiomyopathy.org/

heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/uk

I do have insomnia sometimes, but I think it's from other medical issues I have and not my heart issues, plus I am a life long night owl so often stay up really late (early?).

I second what others have posted - AFib is quite treatable, and if you take care of yourself, try to stay away from possible triggers (anxiety is one of them!), and respect the condition as Challiefan mentioned, you'll do just fine!

[Challiefan]

I have persisten AFib. (Pretty much permanent irregular heart beat and flutter.) There's so much the medical people can do to control the issue - everything from medication, all the way through to a pace maker via Cardioversion and Cardiac Ablation. There's a load of information on the web which is well worth reading.

Try not to worry too much. You're not alone. Lots of people have the condition, and are able to live normal lives. It's just a case of respecting the condition, and yourself.

All the best...

[Pinky100 in reply to Challiefan]

Thank you for your reply

Not the best condition to live with but the medication hopefully makes it manageable

[Akwasi]

Well just relax. I'm currently on bisoprolol and my BP was high and was having chest pains buy it's ok as compared to first. Please don't panic. Just take the medicine. Regards.

[Pinky100 in reply to Akwasi]

Thanks for you reply are you on blood thinners too

[Akwasi in reply to Pinky100]

Yes. Clopidogrel.