Afib

[Pinky100]

I’m In persistent Afib since 28th feb if your heart rate is good does that mean your afib is under control ? And will afib always cause heart Failure

Afib is all New to me

Thanks

[Stucoo]

Are you on any medication to control your heart rate such as Bisoprolol? From my understanding, if left in AF with a high heart rate it will lead to heart failure. Many people live with persistent AF.

[Pinky100 in reply to Stucoo]

Yea I’m on Bisoprolol and blood thinners my heart rate is in the 60s my consultant said I prop be in permanent afib

[Doonedog in reply to Pinky100]

Hi If it's any consolation I'm on the same medication and have had AF for 5 years and I'm still playing doubles tennis with those around my age group. I'm 74 and have the approval of therapists at my hospital.

I only mention this to help relieve any anxiety you may have feeling it restricts you.

[Pinky100 in reply to Doonedog]

That’s great are you in permanent afib ?

[Doonedog in reply to Pinky100]

Hi yes I am . They tried " plugging me into the national grid " and everything went back to normal for 2 weeks then gradually it went irregular again and so I live withit.

Fortunately I dont know it's there. I don't get palpitations. I just get a little out of breath if I don't exercise.

I was devastated when I found out as I've played squash ànd tennis since my early 30s. .

It's good you know about and the GP as they can help you avoid a stroke.

Wishing you all the best.

[purpleswimmer]

Hey. I have a Kardia reader and since buying it six weeks ago I have been permanently in Afib even when heart rate 'normal ' . This worries me as it appears to severely limit what exercise and daily activities I can do and then there is the constant worry of heart failure again. I am on bisoprolol and lisnoprol also bumetanide diuretic and half dose of digoxin. I have been on other meds but I have added problem in that I suffer badly from side effects so permanently feeling sick and gets worse more meds I take. I cant even take the meds to help my indigestion and burping as it makes me feel sick. I have cardio appointment in two weeks that I have asked for as want to discuss other meds or options for me. I am learning that if you want things to change you have to be assertive and take charge of your health. I keep notes on how I feel daily and what readings I am getting. I had heart failure in January so very new at this. Good luck. Xx

[Pinky100 in reply to purpleswimmer]

Have you been ask about a ablation ? I’m not sure if to go ahead and have one they said 50/50 it will work and only be for short term

Sorry you have heart failure can that be reversed with medication?

[purpleswimmer in reply to Pinky100]

My appointment in two weeks is hopefully to discuss next step. I do not quite understand the whole heart failure bit, i.e. which came first and do I still have both. Will have to wait and see. Xx

[Stucoo in reply to Pinky100]

I was in persistent AF and had an ablation in 2017. I had been mostly AF and drug free for nearly 3 years until my AF returned in April. I am now persistent and back on the meds that make me feel so lethargic. I am now waiting for a cardioversion and appointment with my EP. I was told that it would come back eventually and that a second ablation would be required, however there is no cure for AF.

[Ianc2]

Hi Pinky

I have had afib for about 20 years now. Along the way I have had a cardioversion, which worked for a little while, various drugs, heart valves replaced, an ablation, which worked for a good while, and I am much improved.

However I still have an irregular heartbeat that I have got used to. If I don't do anything silly it doesn't bother me too much. I can and do exercise every day. I have a fitbit, which helps me to differentiate between being active /busy and taking continuous exercise which gets everything moving and raises your heart rate. The only snag is that in my experience, If I slack off for a fortnight I can feel my fitness start to go.

I have managed to get my weight inside my BMI and keep a very careful eye on the food that I eat. I generally follow a low carb version of the Mediterranean diet and avoid alcohol and restrict sugary foods. Cakes and biscuits are a very rare treat

My medical notes contain a little gem that refers to measuring blood pressure in that using an electronic machine produces unbelievable results. 240/120 etc, producing much excitement , reaching for prescription pads, etc. Get the old 'pump it up' sphygometer out and it is usually somewhere around 140/80. Shove the pad back in the drawer.

There is a fair amount of evidence around on how changing lifestyles can impact heart behaviour. The hard part is making the changes.