In response to your question, acrossthepond...

It's been nearly 3 months since my first Afib episode and, as far as I know, I've had just 2 episodes. I've had a few episodes of harmless palpitations as well that he cardiologist said were not Afib. I will be posting my whole story in a bit on another post.

Everyone, please read my post about my story. It feels good to write about it and have it out there for support. Thanks guys!!!

You have come to the right place for help with understanding your afib episodes. This group offers support and important information, which you can use in your quest for better knowledge about this strange malady. Afib is about doing most of the research yourself; because your afib is unique to you. The medical community has many different opinions based on their own experience and research. Cardiologists treat it differently from EP's, and each EP may have a different idea. You will find one you are comfortable with in NYC, I am certain. Perhaps you can locate a good behavioral therapist through your PCP? Although taking drugs does not sound appealing, they do help when taken occasionally. Managing without drugs is important, and it can be done...but Xanax is of great benefit on "off" days and may help to control the PAC's, which can lead to afib . Relaxation is the big key! I am of the school that thinks the way we are "wired" may lead to our afib episodes at some point in our lives. I wish you the very best as I wish for everyone here.

Welcome. This isn't a fun club, but the people here are great. I'm only 28 and I have dealt with it since I was in my early 20's, so talk about being a young one! To answer your question, I get the same feelings as you when I have an episode. I do feel that majority of the time it is mostly caused by the panic that comes with the episode. I also become extremely irratable. I've noticed that sleeping it off helps (if you can force yourself to fall asleep) and when the initial heart flutter happens I flex my chest really tight and take a deep breath. Besides that managing stress is key and having a healthy diet is paramount. Best wishes for you and just hang in there. You'll be fine.

Welcome to this group. I don't seem to have any anxiety associated with Afib. But I'm only sure of two times that I've had it.

Yesterday I did about 35 minutes on a stationary bike in the gym and stopped because I was starting to get leg cramps. I took a few minutes to stretch and hydrate then got on the treadmill gradually going from a slow walking speed to a moderate running pace. 5 minutes or so into the treadmill I suddenly was short of breath like I would be after running as fast as I can for a couple of minutes. I stopped the treadmill gasping for breath, bent over trying to get oxygen back into my system. After about 30 seconds to a minute I started getting oxygen back and resumed my workout as though nothing had happened. Although I still started out walking and gradually increased the pace, I ended up averaging a faster pace than I was doing when I was breathless. It's happened twice in the last week. I've got a race coming up in two weeks and will just have to work around the inconvenience of any breathlessness if it happens.

My first diagnosed Afib episode was during a 53.4 mile running race. I i finished it although it certainly slowed me down and it only lasted about 30 minutes. My second was during a 7 mile run for fun that lasted the entire run plus 16 additional hours.

I hope that my experiences add a little perspective. As others have told you, Afib won't kill you. A clot caused by afib could but if you're on anticoagulants you should be okay.

Finally, my experience with the disabling effects of anxiety or panic attacks is limited to a fear of heights. It's not the same thing that you're going through.

Health and wisdom,

Todd

"I did about 35 minutes on a stationary bike in the gym and stopped because I was starting to get leg cramps."
I hate to expound on this all the time, but as a jogger who got AF, leg cramps are a sure sign of Magnesium/Potassium deficiency, critical for heart health. Runners/Cyclist account for a pretty high percentage of those with this condition.

I had similar issues. I suggest you read all my posts, I did get rid of my afib. It took a while using plebotomies to get my iron down, then chelation to get the other metals out, but it worked.