Pure panic when I first go into Afib

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Spent 5 days in the hospital recently with afib they zap me back into Rhythm it lasted 2 weeks but came back this last time I went into afib I was in pure panic once it started heart rate high feeling in the throat had to cough a lot I really thought I was going to die I was at the Point of hysterics almost called 911 I took an Eliquis and a Xanax and and a beta blocker if call me down I'm still in afib have been for about 2 hours but now I'm so scared of getting another one and I'm going into a panic mode has anyone out there experience this and what do you do when you first go to A-fib and you start feeling bad thanks for your input

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  • Posted

    Derrick. Relax. I've been dealing with a-fib incidents for 30 plus years.

    A-fib itself won't kill you. The ris is that when in a-fib, over the course if time, you could develop clots which creates risk of stroke. That risk increases with age but you are young and, if in good shape otherwise your risk factor is low.

    I've gotten pretty good at sensing onset. Bearing down and fast cough will often correct it but has to be right away. About 2x per year that fails at which time I go to "pill in a pocket" where I take toporol and propafenone. That slows things down some. I then just take it easy and it usually converts in 12-36 hours. Doc says to go to hospital after 48 but that has not been necessary.

    A-fib is considered a nuisance rythm. It sucks but some people live with it on blood thinners 24x7. Point is, it is nothing to go into a panic attack over. Get checked regularly, know your options, you'll be fine. If you are in afib all the time, consider ablation or other proceedure. If it's occasional lone afib the weigh the risk benefit of any invasive treatment.

    • Posted

      Your response was amazing! Thank you for taking the time to calm and to give so much valuable information. Grateful 

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