Newly diagnosed afib

[Pinchie]

I am 66 y/0 male, afib found during preop one month ago.

Irregular pulse between 55 and 70 , no episodes.

Did event monitor,cardiologist said afib is stable and started me on 20 mg xarelto. I made an appointment with a electrophysiologist. I was wondering what is

meant that afib is stable?

[Clareowenpearcy]

Sounds like you are in regular sinus rhythm now (Afib stable) it may have been an isolated case of Afib. All the best😄

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

The phrase "irregular pulse" sounds to me as if you continuing in a slow rate of AFib and it is not causing you any symptoms. Normal sinus rhythm would be a regular pulse rate. AFib can be with rapid rate like 180-200 beats per minute, or at a typical rate like you have of 55-70. The key is regular vs irregular. Often people who are in AFib 24/7 do not realize they are experiencing it and it is classically picked up during routine testing. Glad you are on the Xarelto and that you will be seeing an electrophysiologist .

[Maggimunro in reply to SRMGrandma]

You are absolutely right about some people not even realising they are in continuous, silent A fib. Before my first ablation for Afib, my 7 day holter ECG showed a total of 35 hours of A fib. After my first ablation my holter showed continuous, silent A fib for the entire week. I was shocked to say the least.

[KelliDoug]

I was also diagnosed with P-AF a few weeks ago pre-op. I now can usually tell when I'm having episodes as i have purchased AliveCor's Kardia monitor that works with my IPhone, which helps we to determine when I'm in AF. It does quick ECG's for you on your smart phone.

The GP originally also put me on Xarelto, but my Cardio EP took me off, as I only had one CHADSVASC risk factor and that was being female.

I'd try and get into see a Cardiologist that is an Electrophysiologist specialising in the electrics of the heart. I paid for a private consult as didn't want to wait the 14 weeks on the NHS. My cardiologist took me off the blood thinners and am now on Flecainide and Bisoprolol. I had some side effects from the Flecainide for 6 days.

I wish you all the best. All I can say by also being newly diagnosed, is read and learn all you can. Forums like this are invaluable. Wishing you good health.