Living with Atrial Fibrillation

Thank you for joining us on Living with Atrial Fibrillation. We hope the resources and advice you’ve found here will support you to live confidently with your condition. In this last section, we’ll give you with some advice on getting further support, some information on living a healthier lifestyle and also some great stories and advice from fellow AF patients.

Support available to you

There are several places you can access support, advice and useful resources beyond this course including:

• forums on HealthUnlocked, particularly in the BHF Community
• our Heart Helpline where you can speak to a Cardiac Nurse on the phone
• Heart Support Groups around the country where you can meet with others living with heart conditions
• The AF Association – for more information about the condition and support groups.

How to start making changes

We hope that our information has inspired you to make lifestyle changes that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and protect your long-term health.

As you will have seen, we have lots of resources to help you eat better, move more, quit smoking and keep alcohol to safe levels.

Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight and that making small changes can add up in the long run. The important thing is to stick to your new habits, even if you have a setback.

Read 10 tips to build willpower

Paul’s AF story

Paul went to hospital for wrist pain and was shocked to be told that he’d had a small stroke. He was then diagnosed with AF. His journey to get his heart back to a normal rhythm was a long one. Three cardioversions and three ablations took their toll emotionally and physically. But when his doctor decided to fit him with a pacemaker, his whole life changed.

After eight months Paul returned to work, aged 69, and he’s been able to continue with his passion for playing the drums with his band. Paul’s experience also motivated him to cut back on some of his bad habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.

“I didn’t look after myself very well before,” he says. “Now I am committed to looking after myself. You don’t get many chances at life. I have come to the conclusion that life is precious.”

Read his full story

Download your AF guide

Don’t leave Living with Atrial Fibrillation without downloading our Atrial Fibrillation booklet. It tells you more about diagnosis, treatments and living with AF.

Download or order our AF booklet

Jim’s story

Jim is a retired inspector who found out he has AF when it was picked up in a routine test. After his diagnosis he experienced some uncomfortable symptoms like palpitations, but taking medication and working with his doctor to find the best treatments for him has helped get these under control.

“I find that knowing about my condition helps me to have more control and stay positive. I try not to let it affect my day-to-day life too much. I have to take quite a lot of medicines, which I don’t really like, but I realise how important they are for keeping me well.”

Read Jim’s story

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