Atrial fibrillation

[Saladlover64]

I was diagnosed with copd last year and just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after suffering from severe breathlessness and other symptoms. After my first blood test, my gp suspected heart failure and after feeling very ill this week and a night in A&E a consultant has diagnosed atrial fibrillation. I now have some new medication for this - apixaban 5mg tablets, bisoprolol fumarate 2.5 mg tablet and a lower dose of ramipril 2.5mg. I am feeling very anxious and scared about all of this and finding it hard doing my usual walk because of feeling breathless and sweating. Does anyone else feel the same and have the same symptoms? 😔

[HollieAdmin Administrator ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Hello,

Thank you for your post. It is completely understandable to be experiencing anxieties. It can take time to adjust to a new condition so it is important to be kind to yourself.

I would like to direct you to our AF and You booklet. It contains lots of supportive information that I do hope you find helpful: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

If you have any concerns, please do reach out to your Doctor as they have full access to your medical records and will be able to advise you personally.

If you would like any support, advice or further information, our Patient Services Team are available via Patient Helpline or via email, please visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

We are always here if you need us.

We also have an Atrial Fibrillation Support Forum on HealthUnlocked that you might like to join?

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin

[Fannyphasbees]

I was suffering similar symptoms and diagnosed 8th March 2024. Medics kept increasing medication and Echocardiogram done in August showed no damage but persistent AF. Had DC cardio version 26/11 and back to normal rhythm but on half meds now. Cardio version is first step and luckily it worked for me. Life became far better again. Try not to worry but push the medics to do something. ❤️

[Saladlover64 in reply to Fannyphasbees]

Hi, thank you so much for your reply, it's so scary though as I keep thinking I'm going to have a stroke or heart attack. (I'm a born worrier!) I'm still quite breathless even though heart rate is back on even keel due to the tablets. What is a DC cardio version?

[Fannyphasbees in reply to Saladlover64]

The medics basically stop your heart with drugs and shock it back to life. It sounds very scary but it’s not. I’d recommend it to anyone. ❤️

[jointpain]

I saw my cardiologist on Wednesday, and had to ask what was diagnosed with me as I didn't really know. He said AF. I'm fine, and don't suffer any ill effects.

[ptreston]

I don't have persistent AF but when my heart goes in to an abnormal rhythm, my heart rate sky rockets. I have been cardioverted with direct current (DC) 6 times. I haven't had an episode for about 3 years now and am on similar meds to you: bisoprolol 5mg for rate and propafenone 450mg for rhythm.

Like you I was extremely anxious and eventually was put on an anti depressant citralopram. This has done wonders for my mood. Although I'm on a raft of pills I don't really give it much thought anymore and have been this way for several years now.

[Saladlover64 in reply to ptreston]

Thank you for replying, ever since all this has happened, I seem to have lost my appetite and sometimes feel nauseous, maybe it's due to being anxious?

[dturt in reply to ptreston]

I was just reading your experience and wondered whether it was your GP or a cardiologist that recommended the citralopram? I am waiting for a cardio appointment and until Ive seen them I am not allowed to take any anti depressant. I wish I could be put on this as my anxiety makes things so much worse.

[ptreston in reply to dturt]

My GP initially put me on sertraline but I had really bad insomnia so switched me to citralopram. I guess because I broke down with the GP as I was really struggling with everything. Not only with the fact I was on heart medication and had at that point been cardioverted several times, I also have a hard family life for other reasons. So I guess I was a good candidate. There was no cross checking with my cardiologist regarding anti depressants though.

[dturt in reply to ptreston]

Ok, that's interesting, thank you for your reply, it is much appreciated. It is definitely tough to come to terms with constant palpiataions, it never seems to get any easier no matter how many years I have had them. I wish you all the best.

[MoundMan]

Slow afib from childhood began to have noticeable impact in late 60's. Taking a blood-thinner, situation was never life-threatening. Quality of life, yes. Since then, moved through a series of treatment variations. Medications, cardioversions, ablations. Culminated in pace-maker implant 6 months ago. Now 75 and faring well. No afib. A lot of stamina back. Definitely a roller-coaster.