Eileen: Most people who wind up in the ER have severe symptoms. The asymptomatic wouldn't know they were in afib if they were new to afib. Anyway, you should call the doctor back and get clarification.

Were you cardioverted with drugs or shock before? Are you highly symptomatic? How often do you have attacks? How long do they last? When were you first diagnosed?

If you are symptomatic, you have a good idea you are in afib and that is what I think they want to fix... to cardiovert you.

There are different issues... one is stroke risk after hours in afib. The second is how fast your heart is beating and for how long (fear of heart failure). And the third is cardioverting you early rather than later (probability of success).

Important questions... Are you on an anticoagulant? Are you on a rhythm med? Are you taking a pill in the pocket (PIP) approach? All those matter if you need answers to your questions.

Just so we understand... how old are you? Are you paroxysmal or persistent (afib)? Do you have any risk factors (other than being female) on the CHA2DS2Vasc scoring risk system for stroke (see Wikipedia)? How long ago were you diagnosed?

petey

thanks for your reply petey.72 yr old lady.I have a lot of palpitations and infrequent Afib attacks. Used to last a couple of hrs. Now 6-7 hrs or so. Always start with rapid HR The Afib could be months apart. No high risk except for age.Diagnosed Nov.2011.Converted so far with flecanide and or atenolol.EP prefers to have me on flecanide 50mg twice a day rather than just pill in pocket.Take 50mg atenolol daily.I just don"t know what guidelines to use about going to ER if the meds don't work. My PP says pepple my age can't keep going to the ER.Need it for younger people. Former JerseyGirl (exit 8 on NJ trpke)

I forgot to say on 325 mg aspirin.EP says that's enough. PP says I need coumadin

Such a variety of protocols for afib. My Cardio dr. told me Not to go to the ER. Actually all 3 that I have gone to have said, I will be fine as long as I am taking an anticoagulant. I take Pradaxa... only.because of my age, 71, and I am female, I have no other factors.

I was told to take Metoprolol daily when I was first diagnosed. I felt terrible. Dr. insisted I continue with it no matter how badly I felt. I went for a second opinion, and this dr. said to take Metoprolol only when I had an episode. This has been fine for me for over 2 yrs. The Metoprolol lowers my rate to 100 and less for the duration of my afib.

Hmmm...I think all of those factors that are uncontrolled (B/P, high heart rate, etc) are the issue. I think your EP doesn't want you going longer than 24 in this situation. I wonder if cardioversion is the intent if you haven't converted on your own.
Can you check your B/P at home? I was told to go to ER for heart rate over 140. You do not want to continue in afib if these factors arwn't controlled.

I use to go to the hospital if my heart rate got up to 150 plus and stayed there for 30 or more minutes, my afib episode lasted more than 2 hours accompanied by the high heart rates. If you are having a prolong episode you can go to any fire station and request they do an EKG there. Make sure you ask for printout so you can take to your doctor. It's free and fast. Ambulance only charge you if they have to take you to the hospital.

So helpful to read all your experiences. Thanks!

IZEileen: Exit 8(a), South Brunswick, NJ . I grew up in and around Ocean Township NJ and got my undergraduate degree from Rutgers (New Brunswick Campus). Very familiar with the area. petey

Thank you all for your advice. My EP says I,m doing well with only a couple of breakthroughs. Keeping me on the same meds. She said go to ER when the numbers stay high and I feel lightheaded, etc. I was cardioverted once before there with drugs. Hospitalized for two days..I don't know what I'd do without being able to read all of your wonderful comments, stories and advice

Petey-born in Hudson, frat parties at Rutgers New Brunswick (a long time ago),lived and played in Monmouth & Ocean.(the best), Still visit all the time!

We're JERSEY STRONG!