I'm new. Trying to get straight answer on risk of heart failure

[Raffles14]

I have had permanent atrial fibrillation for about 20 years. (cardioversions and ablations haven't worked). I take Rivaroxaban and statins and 99% of the time feel very well. I have recently read that I have and increased risk of heart failure because my af is permanent. Is this true and what is my risk?

[beardy_chris]

I'm afraid I can't answer your question directly - but Heart Failure is often misunderstood. It is not the heart suddenly stopping. It is a deterioration of heart function over time. Symptoms get progressively worse over months, years or even decades - that is still heart failure. In that sense, I guess we all suffer it to some extent - so it isn't something to fear hugely. It is one of the symptoms of getting older - and getting older is something I hope we all want to do!

[Gillymaccy]

Do you have a icd.

[Ianc2]

Hi Raffles14I am 76 on the 20th. I have had afib/AF since I was 55. During that time I have had valve repairs, cardioversions and an ablation. The valve repairs were great - nice strong heartbeat. the cardioversion only worked for a short while. The ablation worked for about a year.

I still have a nice strong heartbeat and it still misfires, but not badly. Another ablation is possible but it would be tricky with a 30% risk of damage to a very thin area of the heart wall and adjacent artery and nerve. I have decided not to go ahead with that.

However I walk every day. My fitbit tells me I do about 30 miles a week and my resting heart rate is about 50-53 bpm. I am within my BMI and try and avoid the usual triggers. If I can avoid covid I will be walking in the Alps this summer - chairlifts are wonderful things, lots of views and not so much slog.

[Fullofheart]

Hi Raffles, I am in my 40s and have had AF for nearly 20 years. I have recently learnt that I have mild left ventricular dysfunction also. I have similar worries/ queries and am waiting to see a cardiologist. I'd be interested to know if you have found out more since your post.