A&E or stay at home?

[Crumble2]

I have paroxysmal AF. I’ve usually gone to A&E when my heart goes out of rhythm but decided I would stay at home this time. I took an extra beta blocker - which is the only treatment I am given in A&E plus blood test and X-ray- and rested. After a shower, I went back into rhythm 21 hours later. So no difference in how long it lasted but I was more relaxed and not guilty of using an ambulance and medic time . What do others do?

[Malayabalaya]

I think you did the right thing. My husband had a couple of episodes of AF and I took him down to A and E. Like you they gave him more betablockers but they didn’t make any difference so after 4 hours they were going to shock his heart back into rhythm but in fact it decided to return to normal on its own. So we’ve decided if it happens again just to wait and see at least for some hours.This assumes you’re on blood thinners in case of stroke! The specialist cardiac nurse said this is a sensible course. Best wishes

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I also have paroxysmal AF and during one bad episode I presented to A&E but by the time I was seen the AF had calmed and I was made to feel that I was wasting their time. I usually get AF around bedtime and lying down often triggers it so I now take a hot water bottle or bean bag to bed and lay it on or against my chest. This calms the out of rhythm feeling and relaxes me enough to get to sleep more quickly. I now do this every night and not just during the episodes of AF. I am unable to tolerate a higher dose of beta blocker due to my low heart rate. Hope this helps.