Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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lchandless 10/15/2012

Hi all, first of all I have been reading many posts about AFIB, and they have helped calm our nerves. I'll give you a bit of background. My husband had his first episode of afib in May 2012, then went a couple of months without an incident. He had another while vacationing in Mammoth (Altitude seemed to be the culprit). His cardiologist decided to put him on Flecainide which worked for a few week then he started having episodes only after his nightime dose and at 3 AM like clockwork. His Cardiologist decided after 3 weeks of this to stop the Flecainide thinking it was doing more harm than good. We have had a decent week, only 2 episodes during the middle of the night. It's strange, my husband is symptom free during the day but at night laying flat seemes to trigger the afib. My husband is in good health, 48 years old, and very active. This has thrown us for a complete loop. We have a referral to an EP on the 29th of this month, and are consideing the ablation surgery. Any advice or your own experiences would be appreciate. Thanks, Lisa

pacyetep 10/15/2012

I hear many people who have the symptoms at night only. Check oy this website:

http://www.a-fib.com/causes.htm

Here is what they say:

"VAGAL A-FIB

If your A-Fib episodes occur usually at night, after a meal, when resting after exercising, or when you have digestive problems, you may have Vagal A-Fib. "

So you need to read about Vagal (versus adrenergic) afib. Ablation may be the answer if the symptoms are bad. You MUST go to one of the best centers though. Read the posts on the best centers.

petey

pacyetep 10/15/2012

BTW, I don't know what the "oy" was in my stence (Check oy this website)... must have hit extra keys. I'm not Jewish, so I didn't stick in an "oy" on purpose. petey

pacyetep 10/15/2012

sentence not stence.

lchandless 10/15/2012

Thanks Petey, you gave me a good laugh. We have been referred to a doctor in Redwood City, California on the 29th of this month. Ablation seems scary, but these night episodes are taking their toll on us. This website has been a blessing just to read other posts and know we are not alone. Thanks for the feedback! Lisa

yogacat 10/15/2012

Hi Lisa, I wish for you and your Husband, the very Best EP who will guide you with Wisdon and Empathy! Many Blessings~

lchandless 10/15/2012

Thank You Yoga cat. I will definately keep everyone posted as well as in my thoughts and prayers. Funny... 6 months ago had no idea what afib was. Now it has connected us with many loving, caring people. Thank You.

tomorrowsdream 10/18/2012

Oy Vey, Petey. Your Yiddish side is coming out I guess.

CLane 10/19/2012

Hi Lisa: So glad you found this group. There are alot of caring, knowledgeable people here :) I wish you and your husband good luck as you attend EP appointment on the 29th.

lchandless 10/19/2012

Thank You for all the nice thoughts. On a positive note, my husbands doctor took him off the flecainide and he hasn't had a nightime episode for a week. He was having two a night while on the flecainide. 9;30 and 3 AM like clockwork! His cardiologist thinks the flecainide may have been causing a different arrhythmia.

Cheryl7 10/19/2012

Hi Lisa! sorry you had to find your way to our group! Glad to hear he is doing better of the flecainide! Afib can be a pretty scary thing. Sounds like you guys are on the right track. At your appt with the EP, be sure you ask him/her what their experience is with ablations if you are considering it. You def want someone who has a lot of procedures under his belt.
Take care and best wishes!!
Cheryl

deleted_user 10/19/2012

Hi Lisa!
Welcome! I also had almost all of my episodes while sleeping. It made me very afraid to sleep. I would stay up as late as I could and sit propped up by pillows. I had a sleep study to check for sleep apnea but it was negative. I am also young (relatively haha) 43 years old. Lately, I have had 3 minor episodes, during the day! Very weird. I have no idea what can be causing them. Good luck at the EP, that will be the person to help you the most.

Kelly

heart2222 10/21/2012

I had a fib attacks at night also, when I was trying to fall asleep or upon awakening. Kelly has a good point. Did your hubby ever get checked for sleep apnea? That is one of the a fib triggers...

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

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