PV and silent afib

[Elizka]

Previously, no issues with my heart and prior to December 2022 all ok with all tests; no artery disease or stenosis and healthy heart.

Out of nowhere, I had my first AFIB episode in December of last year.

Restored to NSR in 30 minutes with medication. I have had 2 more, once during a stress test, which after first time with AFIB, I was stressed about doing the test. Recent CT coronary arteries test showed:  Marked left atrial dilation.

I asked the EP if the dilation caused AFIB and she said AFIB caused the dilation. Huh? I've only had 3 episodes? Doctor replied: it must be a result of "silent afib." I wear an apple watch and keep track of my heart rate, especially during cardio. Never saw evidence of afib. 

I encourage anyone with a MPN to stay on top of cardiac tests. Push for stress test, halter monitor, etc.

If had I silent afib and I workout and previously was told my heart was fine, then someone else could have it who also has PV. And since we are more prone to strokes, untreated AFIB could be very bad.

[saltmarsh]

Very informative especially to me. I'm 76, 3 years with PV and pretty active but I've experienced some brief periods of abnormal heartbeats lasting only seconds. When I mentioned it to my cardiologist last year he said that it wasn't abnormal but I think I will bring it up again when I see him next. Many thanks and best wishes. Saltmarsh

[Rheanick]

Dear Elizka,

Your post was an eye opener for me as my husband (56 years) who has PV since Nov-2016, had his first attack of abnormal heartbeat in March-22. He was thereafter diagnosed as having paroxysmal Afib.

Since Nov-16 his PV treatment has been daily baby aspirin of 84 mg and phlebotomy to maintain hematocrit at 45. As he suffers from severe burning feet, he was recommended 325 mg aspirin in Jun-21 which provided some relief.

As of March-22 his Afib attacks continued for 4 hours each time every two weeks. The aspirin was stopped and he started on Pradaxa 110 mg (Dabigatran). The attacks continued every week, then stopped for three months and has now re-occurred in Feb-23.

He underwent all kinds of cardiac tests (including ECG, Echo, Holter, sleep study, cardiac MRI) to find the cause of Afib, and all test results were clear. The cardiologist has not attributed the afib to PV and he continues on Pradaxa.

So, your post makes me wonder if PV is indeed the cause of his afib.

Regards,

[Mirror368 in reply to Rheanick]

My GP gave me 25 mg Magnesium Tartrate for AFib episodes. It is low dose, fast acting and short living, I rest and within two hours my heart is back to normal rhythm. I mentioned it to my cardiologist and he said it was a good idea….why did he not come up with the idea?

Eileeen

[Elizka in reply to Rheanick]

I would recommend he speak to his cardio doctor about taking daily medication or at least a PIP. No matter the cause, AFIB has to be addressed.

[Lenten in reply to Rheanick]

can you explain what an AFib attack involved? My husband, age 76, has PV and A-fib. He takes Hydroxy Urea for his PV and Carleton 20 mg for his A-fib plus Aspirin 81. He gets “flare ups” thst extreme tiredness and a gripping body feeling that overtakes him and lasts from 20-30 minutes. No name for these flare ups and what causes them. Is is from PV. his cancer drug or Afib?