Can you have multiple heart 'problem'... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Can you have multiple heart 'problem' types at the same time and what's the significance?

A_fi_bR profile image
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So far on my list over the last few years, I've had Atrial Fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, Sinus Bradycardia, Premature Atrial Contractions, (bigeminy, trigeminy) and Premature Ventricular Contraction, Right Bundle Branch Block and now it looks like potentially Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia. Something new seems to happen every time I take an ECG. Already had an ablation for the AF and now looks like I'll be back in for number 2 to get the AVNRT. Is this quite common to have multiple issues ongoing?

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A_fi_bR
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Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star

it might be really helpful to other members to spell these out. I found myself a bit put off, so i guess others could too? Perhaps others are more patient/knowledgable than me, but a shame if you miss any answers.

I'm no doctor, but my understanding is that because of how things are wired up/connected inside us, multiple symptoms/conditions can have the same root cause.

Dadtoalad23 profile image
Dadtoalad23

Well I don’t have all of those. I have persistent AF and moderate coronary artery disease. So I have two chronic heart conditions. And a slightly leaky mitral valve and enlarged atrium. Although those issues seem related to my Af. I’m 47.

A_fi_bR profile image
A_fi_bR

No problem as you can tell I don't log in that often myself. AF originally. Next up is an EP test for possible AVNRT. Worried I may end up with a pacemaker now

Frequentshocker profile image
Frequentshocker

Hi Garryarry. I dont know thatvI can help but will share my experience as I have regular AF & VF but they don't know where exactly the fault lies. Theyve told me its v likely genetic and they say its the left side but can't label it as a correct diagnosis or consider an ablation as theres no signs or scar tissue to give any further clues. Its an unknown diagnosis. The last cardiologist I saw said sometimes the symptoms are the only diagnosis they can give! Last years checks showed a thickening of the wall in my heart but no full description or diagnosis.

My last few ECGs show several incidences of VF per week and AF inbetween but the technician thought it rare to have so many VFs and suggested its more likely actually AFs but the reading from my heart monitor doesnt differentiate accurately between the two. So they put on record its recurring AF and occasional VF which is triggered quickly if the AF isnt calmed in time. Beta blockers proved to cause more harm than good and since coming off them I've had far less defibrillator shocks. They are still concerned that its not cured the regular fibrillations and want to increase the Quinidine dosage but I find it more manageable without, yet Im still so exhausted all the time and its impacted heavily on my day to day health. I get tired every day l and have v limited energy that runs out so fast. I just cannot afford to be drugged up any more! For me its about quality of life as much as possible but to my consultant its a case of doing what it takes medically to prevent the AF. I was actually very well after my SCA and getting defibrillator and back to dancing etc at the same pace as before but 2 weeks later they put me on beta blockers and my life slowed to nearly a standstill since. Has anyone else had the same problem?

I really think its trial and error to find the right balance and I'm sure some meds actually cause more damage! It is possible to have several issues going on and its a juggling act to balance the meds to cure what they can. I hear mixed reports about ablations but assume the overall opinion by cardiologists is that its successful enough to recommend it in so many cases! We are all so different with the meds prescribed too. Although some say not to rely on Dr Google, without any other expert input I'm afraid I do look up everything online for answers! I wouldn't worry about having a pacemaker as it will help to regulate your heart and theyre easy to be inserted and to live with, providing you keep clear of magnets!

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