First Week of AF

[racer373]

I'm a 47 year old man born with a congenital heart defect, 5 years ago I was prescribed Bisoprolol and Lorsartan to help with some ectopic episodes I was having.

The last 5 years I've lived a normal life exercising regularly. My typical resting pulse while sleeping was 47bpm.

On theisoprolool 30th September I noticed that my resting pulse (while sleeping) had increased to 60bpm and went no lower. While exercising my pulse was higher. At first I thought this was COVID or some other virus but booked at appointment with my Cardiologist to be sure.

I had an Echocardiogram which showed that I was in AF ay the beginning. This was confirmed with an ECG and a 24 monitor showed I was in AF throughout.

I wasn't expecting this and and its made me feel very anxious!!!!!

Potentially I've been in AF for 6 weeks which I'm guessing is persistent. I've started to improve my lifestyle, losing weight, eating healthy and I haven't drunk alchohol since the AF started.

My Cardiologist has changed my medication to the following:

Bisoprolol 2.5mg

Apixaban 5 mg

Dapagliflozin 10mg

Spironolactone 25mg

sacubitril valsartan 2 x 25mg

I'm relatively sympton free and feel I can manage the physical sensation of AF it's the anxiety that consumes me

I've booked myself a Yoga session on Sunday as I've heard this helps, is there anything else I can do at home, Im desperate for NSR to return.

[onadiet]

I understand and agree.Its the anxiety which is awful.You are scared of the future and what may happen all the time.Perhaps in ti.e some sort of normality will begin to happen.Is there a local self help group where you can talk to others.That will help you a lot.

[wilsond]

Go to Health Unlocked AF Association online invaluable advice and support. I'm on it. Best thing I did.BTW Electrophysiologist is your best person to help you,cardiologist with extra arrhythmia training.

Cardiologist sometimes not as helpful as we'd like!

[racer373 in reply to wilsond]

Thanks for the advice! I've got an appointment with and Electrologist this Wednesday, hopefully they will be able to help answer some of my questions.

[Kespie]

hi R373, has there been talk of Cardioversion to restore normal rhythm?

[racer373 in reply to Kespie]

I'm seeing an electrologist this Wednesday to discuss treatment. Hopefully that will be one of the options 👍🏻

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

I have been going to yoga classes since I became a heart patient many years ago.

Yoga with tai chi helps keep me calm.

The breathing is very helpful.

However, I suggest you take care when you do any inverted poses, when your heart is above your head, such as downward facing dog, forward bends or bridge.

Enjoy your yoga

🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️