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.
I am a sixty-four year old male who was diagnosed with AFIB two and a half years ago. It was discovered during a routine doctor visit. The doctor had me immediately go for an Echo Cardiogram and an appointment with a Cardiologist. The Echo was normal and by the time I saw the Cardiologist, the AFIB was gone. I had a follow-up visit to the Cardiologist four months later and it turned out I was in AFIB at this visit. The Cardiologist had me undergo another Echo Cardiogram, speak with an Electro-Physiologist, put me on Warfarin and 100 mg of Metoprolol twice a day and sent me on my way. I was told because I have had high blood pressure my entire life which was only moderately controlled with medication, that this might have been a contributor to the AFIB. Over the next four months I had absolutely no energy and would be out of breath with minimal exertion. I assumed this was because of the AFIB so I made an appointment with the EP. He suggested we try rhythm control. We first tried Multaq, followed with a cardio-version. I was in NSR for about 3 minutes. We next tried Tikosyn, followed with a cardio-version. I was in NSR for about 3 days. While we were evaluating rhythm control my Metoprolol was reduced to 25 mg twice a day. Reducing the Metoprolol completely fixed my energy and out of breath issues I actually felt great, but my heart rate was consistently around 120 bpm. Since I was permanent/persistent and asymptomatic, the EP suggested we try rate control. He put me on Diltiazem, 180 mg per day and had me wear a monitor for 48 hours. The Diltiazem brought my heart rate to an average of 100 bpm. He upped the dosage to 240 mg per day and this brought my heart rate into the 70-80 bpm range. That is where I am today.
As I have stated earlier, other than the medications, the AFIB doesnt really impact my quality of life very much. I exercise regularly with 45 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week and resistance training 2-3 times per week. I play golf at least twice a week. I occasionally have a glass of red wine or a cocktail, but try not to overdo it. My wife and I lead a pretty active lifestyle so we are constantly on the go.
As I have stated earlier, other than the medications, the AFIB doesnt really impact my quality of life very much. I exercise regularly with 45 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week and resistance training 2-3 times per week. I play golf at least twice a week. I occasionally have a glass of red wine or a cocktail, but try not to overdo it. My wife and I lead a pretty active lifestyle so we are constantly on the go.
Thanks for sharing your story. I was on metoprolol also. When I was first put on it, the dose was too high. I felt like i had the flu , so exhausted, so I can relate to your feelings.
Glad the meds are keeping it under control. Wishing you NSR!
I'm on 50mg of metoprolol and 180 of matzin and they work well for me. I don't have too many episodes and the meds keep my HR low during episodes. I tend to pant and be short of breath during my episodes but not otherwise.
Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed with paroxysmal, asymptomatic afib in Aug 2012 (during a routine dr visit like yourself) and prescribed 240 mg diltiazem. I have found it a very effective drug in allowing me to continue my running although I have cut back on how strenuous my runs are. Pre afib I usually stayed between 140 to 160 bpm. Post afib I try to keep it under 120 bpm although I have occasionally had brief spikes that go up to 180+ .
My resting hr pre afib was 51 and with diltiazem is usually in the 50's although sometimes I am in the 40's and 60's.
opsyn