Recently diagnosed with Afib

[Spangle14]

I have had an arrythmia problem for many years, for which I have had various tests and seen a number of different cardiologists.

Last April, I had a more unsual episode - for no apparent reason, my heart stared to race while I was sitting watching TV. When I checked my pulse (Somthing I have done many time over the years due to arrythmia), it was going like the clappers and felt all over the place. As it wouldn't settle, I rang 111 and, long story short, an ambulance was dispatched and I was taken to A&E. I was told by the paramedics and in A&E that my heart was in AF.

After a couple of hours it settled down and I was discharged. I did not receive any treatment for it and was not given any follow up appointment, so I assumed it was just a freak one-off thing that had happened. More recently - just under a week ago, the same thing happened and I, again, ended up in A&E. This time, it did not return to normal rhythm without intervention - beta blockers and IV magnesium. I was then discharged with blood thinners and tole that I would need to be seen in cardiology at some stage.

I am really really anxious about taking the blood thinners as |I have a couple of underlying conditions involving bleeds (I was already undergoing tests for these which are ongoing at present). I spoke with my GP and I explained my concerns to her and said that I would really like to discuss the risks etc with a cardioloigist but she said that a referral could be quite a few months and that I should take the medication in the meantime. I have now managed to get a fairly early appointment with the cardiologist I used to be under for my arrthymia, which is just a couple of weeks ago. Because of my other heath issues around bleeds, I am really worried about taking the meds I have been prescribed and am wondering if waiting a couple more weeks would really make a big difference. Naturally, I would have to seek help if I went into another Afib episode in the meantime. Hope you can help.

[Smarticus]

Hi, two things spring to mind... you were given blood thinners, which ones and how do you know when you have reached the correct dose? secondly, it is not uncommon to "slip" in and out of AF, I would frequently go into AF and then back out again after about half an hour, however, there was usually and underlying cause. (in my case heat/exercise) combined with valve failure. You are right to push your GP and cardiologist - seems to be the best option in these mad times! HTH

[Spangle14 in reply to Smarticus]

Thank you Smarticus, I have been prescribed apixiban 5mg twice daily. I feel so torn as they list common side effects from things I already have going on so these will possibly just be exacerbated. I'm beside myself with worry because of this threat of a stroke. I'm just hoping that I can hold on til I see the cardiologist in a couple of weeks....they do say that there is usually an underlying problem that causes AF so I think that that needs to be established first. All feels like a bit of a nightmare at the moment.

[Spangle14 in reply to Smarticus]

Can I also just ask, Smaricus, did you take any blood thinners for your AF?

[Smarticus in reply to Spangle14]

Yes, warfarin...but I was a "special case" as the valve stitches failed, interestingly enough after my second mvr I was then diagnosed with "slow AF" Honestly, dont worry yourself, perhaps give the BHF nurses a call, they are excellent if you are worried. HTH

[Spangle14 in reply to Smarticus]

👍👍 Thank you