Atrial Fibrillation

[Decrepit]

late October, sudden onset of severe breathlessness (unrelated to Asthma which was diagnosed over 30 years ago and has been stable for some time) other symptoms were palpitations and some chest discomfort. Saw my GP after week end when bloods were taken and an ecg done when the AF was discovered- since then I have commenced treatment and had2 more ecg.

I am due to see my gp again in two days. I feel there is a slight improvement, but still anything , but normal. I am feeling anxious and uncertain about the future— hence I googled BFA

Looking for reassurance really! I have so much to learn. I didn’t know there were so many types.

[devonian186]

Could be your medication, some are unsuitable for Asthma but are still prescribed. Could be the recent very high humidity which puts a greater strain on the heart.

[Decrepit in reply to devonian186]

Thankyou so much for your reassuring email. I am on the correct medication, so I think it’s learning to cope with the sudden change and limitations without panic !

[Gumbie_Cat]

It is a shock when first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I now have the permanent type, with control of the rate and anti-coagulation for stroke prevention. Your doctor might well have given you the anticoagulant already.

One of the types of drugs that they use is not recommended for asthmatics - that is beta-blockers. So you will likely be given a different type. Although everything depends on the individual with all conditions.

You might like to join the forum for AF healthunlocked.com/afassoci... - and post again there.

Also, there is lots of information at the AF association heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

The great thing is that you have a diagnosis - so now you can be sure that your heart is protected from damage due to high rates, and you can be protected from stroke too. Mine has slowed me down on hills and stairs, but otherwise life can be fairly normal.

[Decrepit in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

thankyou so much for your very helpful reply. My Gp is excellent and has already prescribed the appropriate medication . Having reached 83yrs and apart from asthma , which I can mange, enjoyed a really busy active life, I am struggling with the breathlessness in even minor activity. Does it improve or will I always have limitations?

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Decrepit]

I think that we all vary. I’m a bit younger at 69, and my main problem is tired legs when going uphill or upstairs, as opposed to breathlessness. Although many people do complain of breathlessness. (I imagine that it could be in my future!) I’ve found that I’ve gradually got used to both the AFib and the effects of the medications.

Have you been referred to Cardiology, to see either a cardiologist or electrophysiologist? The other test that they may do is an echocardiogram. This test shows how the chambers of the heart and the valves are working well. There could be other treatments if you continue to be very breathless for instance.

[Decrepit]

Yes my Gp has referred me for an echogram but dont know when that will be. I am just have to learn to take each day as it comes and more leisurely. In many ways try to realise how very lucky I have been .