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.
Just joined this group because my 93 y/o mom has A-Fib and I want to learn more about this and what to expect.
Last Wed she was taken to ER due to extreme weakness and fatigue They did a EKG and found her A-Fib so they decided to keep her overnight for observation. Her PC doctor is aware of the A-Fib and is treating with meds and recent blood work revealed low electrolytes/dehydration so she was supposed to be drinking two bottles of Gatorade...she wasn't when she went to the ER but she is now!...Also...she gets exhausted and very short of breath very easily...Her doctor told her that she was not in heart failure but one of these days she would get so short of breath and not be able to catch her breath and that that was how her life would end... so basically, that's all she's doing - is waiting to become permanently short of breath....she thinks its coming soon...but I don't know...
What do y'all think - anyone one have experience with A-Fib in the elderly?
Anything I can do - other than sit and wait?
Well?
Last Wed she was taken to ER due to extreme weakness and fatigue They did a EKG and found her A-Fib so they decided to keep her overnight for observation. Her PC doctor is aware of the A-Fib and is treating with meds and recent blood work revealed low electrolytes/dehydration so she was supposed to be drinking two bottles of Gatorade...she wasn't when she went to the ER but she is now!...Also...she gets exhausted and very short of breath very easily...Her doctor told her that she was not in heart failure but one of these days she would get so short of breath and not be able to catch her breath and that that was how her life would end... so basically, that's all she's doing - is waiting to become permanently short of breath....she thinks its coming soon...but I don't know...
What do y'all think - anyone one have experience with A-Fib in the elderly?
Anything I can do - other than sit and wait?
Well?
Depressed Reclusive? Really?
Alot of people in their 90s get short of breath for various reasons. Alot of people don't live into their 90s. Even fewer make it to 100. Without knowing your mother's medical history and length of time with afib, there is not much for any of us to comment on.
Maybe her doctor is saying she has no medical issues other than afib and whatever is causing it. Afib is not life threatening when treated. For those in their 90s, a cold is not a good thing though.
petey
jan