First episode of AF
Posted , 13 users are following.
Hi everyone I’m 40 years old and few days ago went to a and e with palpitations found to be in fast Af couldn’t get heart rate down for 20 hours. The cardiologist seemed to think it was caused by drinking the night before, I don’t have any medical problems and don’t drink often anybody else heard that this is correct. I’m very scared that this is going to happen again. I’ve not been put in medication and hope to see cardiologist again in few weeks I’ve also been under lots of stress lately could this also be a trigger? Any advice would really help
1 like, 96 replies
Cyrtis lee06371
Posted
Same here. I had to go tee-total some years ago. Alcohol is a big trigger for most people, definitely me anyhow. I've also cut out most caffeine as well, just use decaf coffee and tea, and drink alcohol-free beers and wines, some really good now when you get used to them.
sarah88339 lee06371
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That is exactly how my AF started, my heart rate was very fast and irregular. I didn't get to see a cardiologist for 3 months and no medication was given.
stop the alcohol, you may not have another attack at your age for years. I am now in my 60s and am taking medication to control the AF. Carry on living ,you won't die! One in twelve people have AF by the time they are my age.
patrick45945 sarah88339
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sarah88339 patrick45945
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I am treated in London at the Heart Hospital at Barts
patrick45945 sarah88339
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sarah88339 patrick45945
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sherpa_al lee06371
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I speak from experience, aged 68 and diagnosed with atrial flutter just over a year ago, not prescribed an anti-coagulant, had a stroke a couple of weeks later, and not a TIA, which has left me with impaired vision. Arrhythmias are a known source of stroke, and your situation should be assessed using the CHADs-VASc risk assessment tool. This looks at age, weight, smoking, alcohol, genetic predisposition etc to assess your risk of a stroke. Ironically, immediately after the stroke I am now on an anti-coagulant for life.
Best Wishes
Sherpa Al
jimjames lee06371
Posted
Hi Lee,
As others have stated, both alcohol and stress are common afib triggers. That said, pinning down a trigger can be hit or miss, especially if you've only had one episode.
When you say "couldn't get heart rate down for 20 hours" -- are you talking about your rate or getting your rhythm back to normal? My experience and understanding is that rate is fairly easy to treat within a few hours either in a hospital setting, or out, with rate control drugs. Rhythm, on the other hand, will sometimes be restored by itself, sometimes rhythm drugs are used, and sometimes they shock the heart back to a normal rhythm with electro cardioversion. It's unclear if right now you're in normal rhythm or not, or still in afib?
Jim
lee06371 jimjames
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lee06371 jimjames
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jimjames lee06371
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Your cardiologist makes sense but be prepared for different opinions if/when you see different docs, especially EPs. In the end, it's your decision.
Jim
jimjames lee06371
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If you're seeing another doctor, you might want to discuss how to handle future episodes that hopefully you will never have. I'm unfamiliar with the bisoplol/digoxin combo for initial afib treatment. Dilitiazem (cardizem) always gets my rate down usually within an hour. Sounds like your hr was a bit high for a longer period but can't argue with success. How long did it take you to get back into normal rhythm after the episode began? I assume you were not electro cardioverted?
Jim
lee06371 jimjames
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jimjames lee06371
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I read somewhere that a large per cent of folks naturally cardiovert within 48 hours or so, like yourself, which begs the question why they so often rush you to electro cardioversion without waiting a little for nature to take over. They can always cardiovert a week or so later with a precautionary TEE to prevent clots. I wish I knew this years ago instead of having four electro cardioversions which I may not have needed. Glad your doctor had you wait. That's my plan next time, if there is a next time.
Jim
li29885 jimjames
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I agree. Last time I was in ER, they just told me they can shock me within 48 hours even without TEE. I requested they do TEE but they refused and said within 48 hours it's safe without TEE. I asked what if I got a stroke, they said they would monitor me for any symptoms but TEE was not necessary according to the guideline. Thank God that I converted myself after they sedated me, just right before they press the button to shock me.
I think the medical field don't really care for your life, maybe this is too strong, but that's what I felt. They just wanted to follow the guideline regardless it's correct or not so they don't get trouble should any bad thing happens. It made me very worried they refused to do TEE even I requested it.
li29885
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Hey I can't edit what has been posted. I haven't finished. To continue what I was saying in above, I think they would say 'oops, that's the guideline' rather than someone complains them for sore throat due to the TEE. I won't go to that ER again if I have the choice.
lee06371 jimjames
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jimjames li29885
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This all assumes that you know exactly when you went into afib. If you're off for example by 12 hours then you're putting yourself at risk being electro cardioverted without a TEE. But the bigger problem as I see it is that since a large proportion of afib episodes will cardiovert naturally in 2-3 days, it makes sense to to wait more than 48 hours to be electro cardioverted to give you body a chance to do it on its own. The ep's really don't seem to care so you really have to have your own plan in advance. For me, should I go into afib again, I have dilitiazem (cardizem) at home to take to reduce my rate to safe levels quickly. I would then simultaneously start thinners as a precaution and probably wait at least a week for my body to convert on its own. If it doesn't, then I would either wait out a few more weeks for safety reasons prior to be electro cardioverted or do it with a TEE. My last electro cardioversion didn't work so I'm really in no rush but fortunately I converted naturally the next day.
Jim
Jim