Types of AF

Posted , 9 users are following.

Hello,

I am learning about AF mostly through reading on here.   I hadn`t realised there were different `types` of AF.   It says on Google...

Paroxysmal AF – AFib that occurs sometimes and then stops. AFib stops by itself and the heart returns to normal rhythm. ...

Persistent AF – AFib that does not stop by itself. ...

Long standing persistent AF (formerly known as Permanent AF) – AFib that cannot be corrected.

Although I sometimes feel my heart thumping, it says you could have AF all the time and not know,  so how do we know?    Perhaps from the cardiologist?

Kind regards,

Kathleen

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

    an ecg would confirm afib or another heart rhythm issue. best to see a doctor/cardiologist for advice.

    good luck

    • Posted

      Hello,

      I have been told I definately have AF but just don`t know if this is an all the time thing or not.

      Kathleen

    • Posted

      Hi Kathleen,

      ​I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF as per your list of definitions .... however, some people - including myself - can be asymptomatic - that is they can be in AF and not know it, not be aware of it.

      John

  • Posted

    A seven day ECG monitor will show it. I'm in permanent AF but mostly do not notice it. I have a pace maker that kicks in when my heart rate goes below 60bpm. When I say at the pacemaker clinic that my BP monitor never shows anything over 80bpm. They tell me it  goes in the 130's and was 122 just a moment ago.

    How often are you in AF and do you know what triggers it?  

     

    • Posted

      Hello Derek,

      I don`t understand why your heart rate goes too slow sometimes.    I thought that everyone with AF had a fast pulse sometimes, isn`t that the same thing as your heart beating too fast.    Isn`t that what being in AF means?    I don`t know really; sometimes my heart is thuding but sometimes without seemingly any reason but usually when I walk upstairs too quickly or something.   I seem to get so tired as the day wears on and go slower and slower by evening.    Why do you need a pacemaker anyway?

      Kathleen

    • Posted

      Then I was not in permanent AF .It was mostly in the 40's and had been for many years. When in AF it would go into the 140's but down to 37bpm during the night with 3.5 second gaps. Bisoprolol gave me dreadful side effects. 

      Are you going to have a cardioversion ?

    • Posted

      Hello Derek,

      I just had a look on Google to see what a cardioversion is and hoping I won`t have that or anything else.   It`s a bit scary reading about all the things that happen to people.    I suppose in early June when I go to see the cardiologist then they will decide what,  if anything I need.   It`s bad enough taking two tablets a day so I am hoping that`s it.

      Kathleen

       

  • Posted

    In the simplest form, check  your pulse.  People will continual AF sometimes are not aware they have AF.

    I have PAF and know the minute my heart goes into an irregular fast rhythmn, I also know the second it returns to NSR..  After a bad attack I feel unwell for a couple of hours and then I am fighting fit again!  I have friends who have continual AF who find it very strange that I feel my AF where they carry on having what appears to be a normal life.  AF can not always be treated, so blood thinners are recommended as the biggest risk is from a stroke.

    • Posted

      Hello Shirley,

      I take apixaban 5 mg twice a day and bisoprolol 1.25 mg once a day.    I have tried to take my pulse but find it impossible really.   After I was diagnosed and went to my GP she said my pulse was high and erratic and that was why I should try the bisoprolol.   Two weeks later when she checked again after taking the tablets she said it was still erratic but at least it was a lower range.    So not sure what that means really.   I have an appointment for a scan and hopefully see the cardiologist in June.    I suppose I could go back to my GP to ask just in case I don`t see the cardiologist but maybe they won`t know.   If they do know perhaps nothing can be done about it anyway.  

      Kathleen

  • Posted

    Hi Kathleen

    When my heart is bounding it is easy to find the pulse, but othertimes I too cannot feel it.  I think my AF is Vegus nerve affected and read bisoprolol was not the best if the nerve was involved.  Don't know how tmy EP feels about the theory and will be seeing him in two weeks time.  After my second ablation my heart went into AF mode every 2-3 days (max 5 days).  After the best part of 4 months, for the last 3 weeks I have not had AF attack.  I do have misbeats, little tachy runs so it will be interesting to hear what he thinks.  Was on flecanide which did not have much effect so now taking as a pill in the pocket.  Have high blood pressure, but just had a bad skin reaction to what I think is Ramipril so just stopped taking it (after seeing Doc) Case of trial and experiment as to which drug is the culprit! Obviously on Warfarin, the alternative drug gave me a bad stomach so had to return to Wafarin.  Have had AF for 7-8 years so basically living with it unless EP thinks a third ablation might improve my current state.  Not too sure what will do as these last four months have been very unpleasant

    Good luck to you!!

    ease the hives.

    • Posted

      Hello Shirley,

      You seem so knowledgeable about your condition,   I suppose the result of living with it for so many years.   Thank you for taking the time to reply to me.   I hope things will improve for you over the coming months.

      Kind regards,

      Kathleen

       

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