I wanted to know if anyone has been in similar situation to my husband. He is 44 and a couple of months ago found out he has AF. It is all the time he has had 4 ecgs all in AF. He had an echocardiogram 2 weeks ago and we now know he has reduced ef of 42% and enlarged atrium. The GP spoke to him suggesting an anomoly on the echo which sent us into a worry. The arrythmia nurse having liased with the consultant has now given him the following plan:
2 new drugs rampril and amerdorone (sorry if wrong spelling)
Plus anticoagulant on standby ready 4 weeks before cardio aversion
MRI
Appointment when started new medication for further tests.
Cardio aversion as soon as possible
CT scan after
We are worried theres something going on that they are looking for on scans as we weren't expecting them for cardio aversion and GPs vague information . Anyone had similar? Would be really grateful to hear from you.
Thank you.
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Seaside1005
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Hello and thank you for your reply. Yes they did tell us the normal range, but it was still a bit of a shock out of the blue. I did briefly online chat with one of the bhf nurses but I think as theres still alot thats not certain yet its tricky for them to comment. Yes it certainly feels complicated especially when its all new to us.
Not coming here for a helpful comment but a thank you. I'm new to this world, waiting on a referral to ACHD specialists and know from the cardiologist's letter that my Echo showed EF at 55%-60% and had no idea if that was something to worry about. The more I read on these forums, the more I learn and the calmer it makes me (mostly!). I really appreciate everyone's openness and signposting, it is really helping.
I wish I could give you answers. I’m surprised they haven’t started him on an anticoagulant. At least it seems they’re taking it all seriously and are progressing. I found out I had AF about 2 weeks ago from my GP doing an ecg based on symptoms I’ve been having for years off and on. He told me it was anxiety and the nurse then told him I was in AF.
Two days later without hearing from the GP (unreal lack of care) I had what I think was a panic attack exasperated by the fact my afib had ramped up due to stress and Google. Ended up in AnE thinking I was about to die and leave my young family. No heart attack and they didn’t think it’s was a stroke AnE was rammed and chaotic. I was let out still in AF albeit my heart rate is mainly in the 70-80s more if stressed. They gave me bisiprolol betablocker and rivaroxaban anticoagulant. My gp said it would take 2-3 months to see a cardiologist and get scans. I’m going private to get answers. All I can say is a feel for you and your husband I feel my life’s been turned upside down myself my wife and family are stressed and answers of why and what are terrifying.
I’m 46 years old and many on this forum and others are 60-70s. I will be on this journey for the rest of my life now. I hope you get the answers you need soon and I hope it all works out for the best. Wishing us all luck.
I am not medicallyqualified but .... can relate to all you have mentioned in your post. Diagnosed with AF 7 years ago & every ECG/ECHO & scans & tests etc showed AF & enlarged atrium which was worrying until - cardiologist said the enlargement was due to the AF & he was not concerned. 3 cardioversions & 4 ablations within two & a half years & now normal rhythm since last ablation 6 months ago. Had various medications over the years now not on any. It is natural to be concerned & I'm sure like me you will find folk on here very kind & helpful. I underestimated the impact of AF but... there are a lot of various tests & medications that can help. Sometimes they have to be tweaked like mine did from time to time. My bro has been on Ramprinol for over 12 years & although if made him tired in the beginning since then he has never (like me!) Had to have if tweaked or changed & he has been kept well with no problems.
I'm a similar age to your husband and have a similar EF function and enlarged atrium..my EF is slightly lower.
my understanding is that those structural changes are a result of AF, which I've had for 18 years. Though I've known about the AF the structural info was news to me. I found out last year after a very bad spell of AF.
like you, I was shocked by the results nd its taken me time to get my head around it. I have lived successfully, and mostly actively with AF for many years and this news has made me think more about the future. As such I've had more active treatment, one of which was amiodarone which unfortunately caused underactive thyroid. This is definitely something to hold in mind as its a relatively common complication. I've also had 2 ablations and I'm looking at other options going forward. This is all a lot to take on board but is also doable and not as scary as it sounds. This forum provides a lot of information and often assurance from people who have been through it. I hope you stay connected. I would echo the advice to talk to BHF nurses. I found that very helpful.
I would also echo that it's normal to be worried and to overthink things at this stage. Go easy on yourselves and take your time adjusting to the news and possibly making suitable lifestyle adjustments, all of which are also doable.
I'm working, exercising etc, just gotta pace myself a bit more and be kinder to .
Thank you so much for your reply. We are a little worried about the side effects but understand he has to try.
Will definitely speak to the nurses again soon, they were very helpful. We are really hoping that the medication and further treatment will help and the scans don't show further problems. Will stay connected.
hi I get very tired ,light headed if I bend down , it has slowed me down by a least 50%. I get out of breath I can’t seat in the sun any more due to the medication I take which has also effected my eyes. Iv had a CID fitted and had to retire but saying that I feel fine. Hope you are feeling ok
My husband has that as well, he had av ablation in April and since that has been doing OK, but had to stop working 4 years ago when he had a small stroke
Knowing and sharing this information with other people who have the same condition is a big support.
hi seaside 1005 I believe the longer your in continuous AFib the harder it is to get back into NSR. So I’d ask about a cardio version asap. I also can’t believe he’s not on a blood thinner. Look up NICE guidance on AFib it might help in decision making. Good luck.
Hi yes I think the hope is that the cardio aversion will happen asap but obviously theres a waiting list. Apparently he scores too low on the risk test to have anticoagulant other than for 4 weeks before and after cardio aversion. Thank you for your reply.
Hi Seaside1005, sorry to hear the troubles your husband is having and glad to see all the marvellous replies you've received.You might also want to consider looking at the AF association page as there is lots of information there and you will find such a wealth of experience regarding AF and its treatment.
Thank you I have posted on both and getting great supportive reviews from both. Thanks everyone!
from my experience my ef was originally 40 to 44 % estimated on an echo. However when I had an mri it was up to 51%. I had been on lisinopril for a few month leading up to mri so either the medication has helped or the mri is more accurate. However the ef of 51% is for left side. My ef for right side is 21%. Due to my congenital heart issue. Usually they concentrate on the left side ef. So iam happy with 51%. But my challenge is to improve right side.
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