I was booked in for a cardioversion having been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and an irregular heartbeat. However, just before, the ECG showed it was regular. I was very happy about this as the cardioversion was cancelled, but then wondered how things would be managed from here on, if at all. Has anybody had this experience and did it result in more ECGs down the line to keep a check on things ? I’m still taking an anticoagulant.
Thank you.
How long had it been going on when they cancelled it?
Paroxysmal a/fib is a pest - mine wasn't that frequent and the episodes weren't even long enough for me to bother calling an ambo as the one time I did after about 2 hours and feeling REALLY grotty, it had stopped by the time I got to the ED! Before I finally had an ablation it was bothering me for up to 12 hours a day but the pacemaker showed it wasn't continuous for all that time. I'm not sure how it is monitored when you don't have a pacemaker - it will depend on what symptoms you develop and how it affects your QOL. My husband had pretty much constant a/fib but it didn't bother him a lot (in that he never complained but that might have been because he felt rubbish from other things too!) and he was on an anticoagulant anyway.
Feel tired, had and have constant palpitations and a bit of tightness around the chest, but the only thing that worried me was a period of about four weeks in which I had near fainting fits. These had ceased about 3 weeks before I was rapidly advised of the cardioversion in the New Year. My podiatrist had noticed my irregular heartbeat in May and swollen leg. She gave me a letter for the doctor who referred me for an ECG where AFib was confirmed. I originally had bad side effects from the beta blocker, so have only been taking an anticoagulant.
Sorry to hear about your husband and your health worries.
Near fainting fits for me were the sign of tachy-bradycardic syndrome. I was having tachy episodes immediately followed by bradycardias where my heart would actually not beat for up to 7 seconds - causing the wave of faintness. Here it wasn't a cardioversion which is often only a temporary solution - it was in hospital until a pacemaker was fitted a few days later!
I must say that I would prefer a direct solution, like yours, even though that might be a bit daunting. The nurse at the hospital, like you, agreed that cardioversion is often a temporary solution. I have checked my pulse, but it seems intermittent. I might ask the chemist to check it for me tomorrow. Thank you for enlightening me re: the near fainting fits. Judging by how I felt it makes perfect sense.
I can't see the point of cardioversion for patients with a proven paroxysmal a/fib, it rectifies a current rhythm but does nothing for the underlying cause. Wasn't even mentioned here but it seems to be used a lot in the ED in the UK judging by the ED programmes I watch!
I’ve had paroxysmal AF for 15 years kept under control with medication but the polymyalgia exacerbated it and I had 3 episodes in 4 days. I’ve now been referred back to the cardiologist. It’s odd how some people with AF don’t know they’ve got it whereas it wakes me up and I feel awful with it.
Sorry to hear this George. I hope that the cardiologist will be able to help you.
I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF in 2015, PMR in 2018. Medication kept AF under control with a few episodes each month none longer than 16 hours. Ablation was mentioned but I wasn't keen. After being admitted to A &E with chest pains the medics decided to take me off flecanaide due to mild ischaemia. Wham I went straight into persistent AF and put on sotalol to control rate. I have now had a cardioversion, lasted 6 weeks. 1st Ablation, lasted 12 weeks. 2nd ablation is holding nicely, but I am now back on the medication I was on originally as a belt and braces. PMR was in remission until the 1st ablation but I am coping. I now have a diagnosed of fibromyalgia to add into the mix. I hope you get the AF sorted soon.
Hello EastMidLass,
Sorry to hear that you have had such a bad time with AFib. I hope you get yours sorted out too. Thank you.
I had three Cardio versions done (pre PMR), the first one lasted three weeks, the last one three days. I then bit the bullet and paid for a private consultation with an excellent surgeon ( the best £200 I have ever spent). He then suggested that he perform an Ablation procedure on me and I have been right as rain since😃. Wishing you well
I would see an electrophysiologist who specialises in heart arrythmias. Sounds like you have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and therefore it will rear it's ugly head again!
Hello Karendeena,
Nobody has mentioned paroxysmal AFib to me yet, but it must be what it is. It’s difficult to keep tabs on it.
Thank you.
Hi BP1
I have had a similar experience. A fib went untreated until my 3rd visit to A and E in 2 weeks. They prescribed BISOPROLOL and then booked me in for a cardioversion. On the day my rhythm was normal again. I then had a an echocardiogram and I was in AF again but eventually the meds started to work and 🤞I’ve been ok since. If you have any problems I’d advise phoning the cardio team at yr local hospital. They were really helpful at ours.
I am interested in your case as I also have atrial fibrillation and an occasionally irregular heartbeat. However, after a couple of mini strokes I was put on Anticoagulants. What is different is that nobody has suggested cardioversion. Perhaps it’s not always needed. I shall be interested to follow how you progress. G
The anticoagulation is really important - but while cardioversion might terminate the current episode, it won't prevent another one occurring.
Usually offered CV if the episode will not self terminate - they do it to see if you can go back into NSR and then look towards an ablation in the future.
If your AF is paroxysmal which comes and goes then you are not offered a CV unless it lasts for days or weeks then its classed a persistent AF.
Join the AF board - lots of information for you.
healthunlocked.com/afassoci...
Usual treatment is beta blocker - or Calcium channel blocker for rate control
Have you had an echo? If your heart is structurally sound then you may be offered a rhythm control drug called Flecainide if your attacks become more frequent or prolonged before an ablation is offered.
If this your first attack you may not have another for years(mine was 4 years) but they get closer together and become longer as in PMRpros case.
You should be seen by a Cardiologist too, but dont expect alot of follow ups unless its gets much worse. I have had 4 and now with an EP after an ablation in 2023. Mine started in 2010 and the Cardiologist I had for the first and only appointment before he discharged me said it will get worse and he was correct
Where do I go next?
Where do I go now?
Where from here PRO
Here I go again. !!
