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.

760 Members
3,682 Posts
0 Online
Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

AFIB

Shae1961
Shae1961
The lack of sleep is definitely starting to cause problems So is the lack of caloric intake. Doc have me lorazepam that doesn't really calm me down, just makes it hard 2 fuction, very sleepy. Still on aspirin, atenolol, hctz and avapro. This is horrible...therapy not helping, the overwhelming fear of the inevitable stroke is all consuming. Maybe my EP cld be me for a day or 2 and we cld see what happens LOL!
marikay234
marikay234
Hi Shae,
I'm so glad to hear you are getting some therapy and that you have something to take for anxiety. The LOL tells me you are doing a bit better.
I think we all understand the horrible fear that afib can cause....but don't worry so much about a stroke. A stroke is NOT INEVITABLE with afib. Even without any kind of anticoagulation, not even aspirin, you aren't guaranteed to have a stroke. If you don't trust the aspirin maybe it is time to discuss with your DR and request an anticoagulant.
daisy0808
daisy0808
Nice to see you back! If the anxiety med is not doing the trick then ask to try something else, there are others out there. You may try taking it at night before you go to bed if it is making you sleepy then maybe you can get a good nights rest you so surely need and the rest will follow. If you are not comfortable with what you are doing for an anticoagulant then tell your doc and get on something you will feel comfortable with. Take care!
pacyetep
pacyetep
Not anti-coagulated, only 35% have a stroke or TIA in their lifetime. Only about 65% of those that should be anticoagulated are. Most of the strokes are with the very old (anticoagulated). And those with very high Chads scores. Anticoagulation cuts strokes by 70-90%.

100% of people eventually die. Some of the top reasons are cancer, heart disease, lung disease, infections, and stroke. But 48% from "Other Causes". Other causes, now there is something to worry about.