Advice re A Fib

[Wonky_heart]

I've had paroxysmal A Fib for four years. It's always been very symptomatic and I've tried just about every medication going with either no effect or the side effects were too much. I'm now on a waiting list for an ablation. My query is, how do you know if or when the A Fib turns into permanent rather than paroxysmal? I used to get episodes lasting from 20 mins to 6 hours perhaps 3 times a week, now it's every day. I've had one spell of 34 hours and yesterday's of 18 hours (with SVT of 210 which landed me in A&E, but then sent home after 5 hours). Even though the episodes 'only' last a few hours, the fact that it's now a daily occurrence, does this mean it's now permanent?

[Popepaul]

I believe that the word persistent is used if afib lasts longer than 7 days.The word permanent is used when a patient declines further treatment. ie no cardioversion or ablation.

[Wonky_heart in reply to Popepaul]

Thanks, that's helpful.

So, does this mean persistent is continuous or simply that you get episodes every day for at least 7 days together?

[Popepaul in reply to Wonky_heart]

I think it means that you are in continuous afib for 7 days. Non continuos intermittent episodes during a 7 day period would be paroxysmal afib (even though the episodes might be frequent).

[Identiy]

I have had intermittent af since my mid 20s - now 75.

Have had many cardioversions and have not needed to be on any treatment between events.

However, I have had no problem for the last 4 years , and I think this is due to 3 things

1 no alcohol at all

2 no prolonged intensive exercise - now exercise at a moderate rate for less time

3 reduction in weight by around 7 kgm

Hope that helps

[Wonky_heart in reply to Identiy]

Thanks Identiy,

It's reassuring to know that some can have AF for a long time without it progressing. I've never been a great alcohol drinker (perhaps one small glass at Christmas) because I'm a carer for my daughter who has quite fragile health so I need to be able to drive her to hosp at any time. I exercise almost daily on my treadmill or exercise bike at a moderate level for 20 to 40 mins and, like you, I've lost weight. But despite all this, my heart seems to be as unpredictable as possible. I can't find any triggers, or what helps and over the past 8 months things have really got worse. I think it's the unpredictability of it that really gets me. Whatever I do to 'behave' my heart continues to do it's own thing......much like a wayward teenager!