Anybody here have afib?

Wondering what test, procedures, meds, and symptoms you have had?

Been in the hospital for it 4 times in the last 15 years. Never stayed in afib more than 24 hours and I always went back into normal rhythm without being shocked. I have had a heart cath, all of the stress tests, ultra sounds, you name it. I feel it every day and it sucks because you are always thinking here we go again. I am on a beta blocker and a low dose stress pill? to help with constant worry of it. Doctors tell me ablation isn't an option for me because of the low numbers of times I have had it. But I would do it tomorrow if I could.

I've had it for the last 25 years. Mine is controlled well with 2 meds. I've had stress tests,echo cardio grams, and catherization.
When it gets out of rhythm I feel slightly lightheaded, not bad. But it is my understanding that there are different types and levels of seriousness. Listen to a good cardiologist!

Had to go in for an ablation procedure a few years ago to correct my wolffs parkinson whites syndrome. Had been having episodes of racing heart rate since I was 12 but had never been to the doctor about it until it decided to stick in high gear one night and wouldn't calm back down. When I got to the emergency room my heart rate was 226 bpm and they thought it was going to explode on sight. They had the difib pads on me but luckily they were able to bring it into a reasonable amount of control with a shot instead of electricity. Do was scared to death that I was gonna code on the table and I was scared to death that he was gonna make me ride the lightning. We were both pretty worked up for a little bit. Haven't had any trouble since the procedure though.

Afib and aflutter

I’ve had it for about 5 years take flilecinide and meta propal.I feel it every once in a while but it’s been pretty well controlled with the meds.doc told me as long as it stays in control he wouldn’t recommend ablation which is fine by me lol.

had it for over 30 yrs ignored it for 25. finally had to go in after AFIB episode lasted 18 hrs. they told me I ran 2 marathons. they shocked me back into Rhythm. wet thru all the tests. tried controlling it with Meds. did okay but still had frequent episodes. Recently had Ablation procedure feeling good and happy with the procedure seen Doc yesterday only have to see him every 2 yrs now. still on low dose meds with babay aspirin. also they put me on a CPAP.

Thanks to all who replied. Mine was found a month ago. I am 71. Been tired a long time but have had a physical every year for 10 years, I think my afib is new. Going for the paddles in a a few weeks. Mine is constant yet I do not aleays feel it. Wife can cause stress that worsens it.

Those of you with afib please ask your doctor about your risk for stroke. Anyone with afib is at an increased risk of stroke and depending on other health problems can be substantially high. I'm a neurologist and I see devastating strokes from afib literally every single day. Don't be one of those patients.

I have A-fib; been shocked twice, complete with electrical burns; take Multaq to keep me in normal rhythm. I am at high risk of stroke or heart attack due to vascular disease, so my docs think it's critical to keep me out of A-fib. I have two cardiologists (an electrician and a plumber) and a neurologist. I'm seeing the electrician tomorrow, and hope I haven't lapsed back into A-fib.

PM me if you want to know more.

Jim

Did you have any side effects from Multaq? It made me allergic to the sun (major rash) and gave me hand tremors and tingling in hands and feet. Last year I had an ablation and they took me off of Multaq. Feel great now.

James
So is Dr. Compton your electrician?

I used to love coffee; can't drink it anymore. Caffeine causes my heart to go crazy, so I avoid anything with caffeine in it. I've had a loop recorder in my chest and it has recorded irregular heartbeat and rapid heart rate of 180 bpm. They felt my heart issues were probably due to dehydration and told me to drink lots of water. So, I do, but still get episodes involving my heart.

I've had a stress test and they found no blockages. Only meds I take are Neurontin for a spinal cord injury and simvastatin.

No side effects from Multaq.

Dr. Wu is my electrician cardiologist.

Jim

Afib can be tricky. The main risk factor is stroke due to clot formation. Basically the top chamber of the heart only quivers and blood can pool and form a clot. If the atria contract, the clot goes elsewhere causing stroke. Some have afib with no symptoms. However if the bottom (ventricles) try to keep up it causes afib with rvr which is a fast rate. This is why metoprolol helps the rate but not the fib. Diltiazem generally drug of choice. If symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath occur a cardioversion may be needed. Anyone who wants more info can pm me. I do cardiac education although I specialize in trauma.

Charles, I assume they have you on blood thinners leading up to your cardioversion? Cardioversion will almost always convert the atria back into a normal rhythm, if not, your doctor will offer other options. Those who successfully undergo cardioversion have varying results, sinus rhythm can last hours, days, weeks, months or years. Good Luck.

PS. Good advise on staying hydrated, one of the most common causes of A-fib; especially as we age.