Advice after Successful Cardioversion for AFib

[Buffy49]

Hi, I developed persistent AFib. in September 2024. I have just had a successful cardioversion treatment, but understand that Afib may well recur. Could I please have some advice on how to make it less likely that this will happen?

I am 75, very fit, not overweight, in good health and exercise several times a week. I do not know what set the first episode off, except that I have been on blood pressure meds for many years and have an enlarged left atrium (picked up by echocardiogram after the AFitb started) I didn't really have any symptoms with AFib, except finding walking uphill etc. a bit more of an effort that before.

Many thanks in advance.

[Pumpkin63]

I've had AFib in the past and several cardioversions. It was reoccurring every 6 months despite being on sotalol. I later had open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve after contracting endocarditis and had a maze procedure done also to treat the AFib. I had two more episodes of AFib after surgery and have had none since and that was 8 years ago.I also have left atrium enlargement picked up on my last echo and probably caused by mitral valve regurgitation prior to my surgery and the previous AFib episodes.

Are you on medication to treat the AFib?

The AFib could be caused by the left atrium enlargement and the enlargement could be from the blood pressure problems.

It is a good idea to have regular echos to check the atrium enlargement and other possible irregularities.

A Fib can be difficult to treat and prevent a reoccurrence the best option other than medication is an ablation procedure as they are generally quite successful.

Reducing any stress keeping fit and eating well will all help but not necessarily prevent reoccurrence of AFib.

I suggest discussing your concerns and options with your GP or Cardiologist if the AFib returns and persists.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Pumpkin63]

I have had episodes of Afib since 2010. In 2021, I had cardioversion and given bisoprolol. I was still getting an Afib episode every 3-5 weeks.

In March 2024, I started a coherent breathing exercise for 20 minutes everyday. I have had 1 Afib episode in 13 months and that was when I tried to come off bisoprolol too quickly.

The coherent breathing exercise is 5 breaths per minute. If you want more details please let me know.

[gracehealth in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

I hadn’t heard of coherent breathing before but it sounds like it’s made a big difference for you. I’d definitely be interested in hearing more about how you do it and if you follow a specific guide or app. I’m always open to non-medication ways to help manage things, especially if it supports overall well-being too.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to gracehealth]

My Qigong teacher suggested coherent breathing. She is also a Yoga teacher so is familar with pranayama. She recommended the book The Healing Power of the Breath by Dr Brown and Dr Gerbarg. They recommend at least 20 minutes of coherent breathing per day. You do not need the book to start this exercise as it is so simple.

You may find this Youtube video as a helpful introduction youtube.com/watch?v=B5RTzKc...(Not working as expected?).

I found this free app iBreathe really helpful as it allows me to customise the length of the breathing exercise and how long to take each inhale/exhale. apps.apple.com/us/app/ibrea....