Atrial Fibrillation

[terric]

I am 35 years old and had noticed some irregular heartbeats off and on for a long time. I wore an event monitor and they found I have a fib. My mother, grandmother and great grandmother have it. I am the youngest in the family to be diagnosed. My follow up appointment is on halloween. I have read alot about this now and my question is - is there anyone else that does NOT have a rapid heart rate with this? My heart rate is normally in the 60's and it will go up to about 90 but that is all. I feel like my heart is skipping some beats then I get tired for a bit and a little breathless. My only other health problem is asthma I am really scared after reading about the side affects of the meds for rhythm control! V tach, asystole! I don't want to have a stroke but I dont want to die with that either! I know most of the meds are for rate control but I dont have the soaring heart rate like my mother - hers goes to 170+. Is there any advise for me? Oh, I quit smoking 6 months ago after 5 year habit, I drink 1 can of caffine soda a day and I walk at least 30mins a day and I am a vol. firefighter.

[Jerry_NJ]

I hope you have a usable answer by now, but seeing nor responses I offer:

I have been on Propafenon (Rhythmol) for several years without any noticeable side-effects - i.e., I'm still alive. I think they are relatively safe. The real strong Class III medication raise some concern in my mind, but I believe they are never prescribed as a first try.

You mention a low HR, how's your BP. If your BP is normal or low, you may have a bad reaction to some drugs, especially beta blockers that lower both HR and BP.

At you age I'd, and if you have only intermittent AFib, I'd guess you may be able to get by with taking just a aspirin, if you stomach can take it.