Atrial Fibrillation

[RoseMarie]

I have been in & out of fib for the last month. Each time gets scarier. I'm on coumadin, but no other meds for it. I also take bp meds, diabetes meds. I never know whether to go to the ER or what. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Jerry_NJ]

Rosemarie, me again, can't stop responding to posts that haven't gotten a response.

AFib is best treated before it becomes permanent (all the time). So, the "sooner the better".

Given you are on a BP medication, you may already be taking a beta blocker, which can also help reduce AFib.

Talk with you cardiologist about the electrocardioversion procedure. This requires an "out-patient" basis check-in to the hospital and one is sedated ... but it is very safe and has very few after effects, back to normal, and with luck in NSR, the next morning. One requires a ride home, but that is only because of concern about lingering effects of the anesthetic.

It may be your AFib will also respond to anti-arrhythmic drugs such as Rhythmol, that is usually tried in my experience before one gets the electrocardioversion.

Again, treat AFib before it gets worse, for better odds of success.

[RoseMarie]

Again, thank you. I am on Sotalol for the AFib, but still have episodes. I'm always afraid that I'm having a heart attack. And, afterwards, I'm exhausted. I'm longing for a better quality of life, as I'm only 57 years old. I want to be able to play with my grandchildren again.

[Jerry_NJ]

You should be just fine, AFib will not take your life if you keep your blood "thinned" (anticoagulant or just aspirin, doctor will tell which, or both) to prevent clots. I know some have many uncomfortable symptoms, I do not. I am 70 and have been in and out of AFib for about 15 years and hope to see at least another 15. Be positive.