Arrhythmia and Afib are they the same ?

[Art-99]

my cardiologist tells me i have severe arrhythmia and will need to take anti coagulants indefinitely; i also had my pprolapsed mitral valve replaced 3 years ago, whether one or other of these conditions existed first is not known. Other than warfarin I take Ezetrol to lower cholesterol. I have no idea whether my arrhythmia has a more precise definition such as AFib or Paroxysmal Tachycardia etc ? Also is it unusual to have arrhythmia and not be prescribed a specific medication ?

[Tos92]

I’m sorry I can’t help on the medication or diagnosis part of things however, AFib is considered an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is when the heart beats abnormally, including too fast or too slow. SVTs and PVCs are also other types of arrhythmias as well for example.

I hope others come by to shed some more light on your question.

All the best.

Tos

[Art-99 in reply to Tos92]

thank you for responding. I was diagnosed about four and a half years ago during a routine examination, totally shocked as I'd had no symptoms, apart from the odd palpitations which were so few and far between that I dismissed them. It is since joining Healthunlocked that I have realised how diverse arrhthmia can be and I'd really like to know what form my condition is ? Also I was about to take part in a survey on this forum which asked what type of arrhythmia I had and I realised I'd never been told

[Hidden]

Good Afternoon Art-99,

Afib, otherwise known as Atrial Fibrillation or AF, is the most common arrhythmia, one which an anticoagulant is often prescribed to help prevent the risk of an AF-Related Stroke. It is tricky to advise without knowing which arrhythmia has been diagnosed, but the anticoagulant is one medication that can be taken, as can others such as beta blockers. You may find it useful to take a look at our website: heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/uk where you will find information and advice about various arrhythmias. Our Patient Services team are also on hand if you would like to speak with someone, on [phone] or email: [e-mail]

[Engineer46]

Hello. This is a follow up to my answers to your post three months ago.

AF is confirmed through an ECG but, from your description of your "all over the place" heartbeat, it is likely that you have Atrial Fibrillation, a specific type of heart arrhythmia. If you have no symptoms, an anticoagulant is all that you need to take, plus a beta blocker if your resting heart rate is over 100 bpm.

As your AF appears to be permanent, in the absence of symptoms it is not usual to be offered any other medication or surgery, because the risks outweigh the benefits and the success rates are well below 100%.

I hope that this helps, but if you have any other concerns please raise them.

Best wishes,

Paul

[Art-99 in reply to Engineer46]

Thanks Paul and I’ve refreshed my memory by rereading your response of 3 months ago. I think myself lucky that I don’t have to take many different forms of medication however I do get my moments of doubt when reading fellow suffers posts on this forum and BHF. I hope you are well .

[Engineer46 in reply to Art-99]

I'm very well - thanks for asking!

Paul