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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twincheryl 04/08/2015

Hello all... Thanks for all the wonderful reading I've been doing over the past few weeks since my first AFib episode. I'm a bit obsessive with the reading and now worrying. I felt so calm in the beginning, knowing that AFib is not life threatening and after a few days of feeling no symptoms I was thinking I would be one of the lucky ones that would have rare episodes and just get on with life.

Not so lucky... have been in AFib for at least the last 6 days. The 25mg of Metoprolol twice a day kept my heart rate nice and low for the first couple of weeks and now it doesn't seem to be doing so well. My visit to the Cardiologist with questions about anticoagulants was met with "you have no other risk factors and are fine with aspirin". I'm on a 30 day event monitor that beeps at weird times and I have no idea when to push the button and record events since the Afib pounding heart is constant.

I'm thinking that I am totally freaking myself out about this and it might be making things worse. Cardiologist is on vacation this week so tried to get into GP to see if some kind of anxiety med might be appropriate to get me over this hump. Of course, she has no appts and they have me on a wait list.

It appears that lots of you have experienced anxiety at some point in your journey... Anyone have any feelings about how worthwhile it was to have a little anxiety "help", especially while you were getting used to this new medical issue?

Thanks, Cheryl

daisy0808 04/08/2015

So sorry to hear you are having such a rough time.There is nothing wrong with getting a little help with the anxiety, many of us have done so, I still have them but it is rare I need to take any and even then it is only a half. I took xanax at the beginning of this ride when I needed help and not sure how I would have made it without it back then. I always took it as a last resort because they can become habit forming so it is something to be careful with and not take unless you really need it. You will learn to deal with the anxiety but it does take some time, afib is a scary ride to learn to deal with it especially in the beginning. After a while just knowing you have them if you need it is all you need. Learning some good breathing techniques also help along with getting some therapy to learn tools to help with the anxiety was also helpful. The anxiety can beget afib and the afib can cause anxiety so by all means get with your PCP to get something help till you can get in a place where you feel okay and you will get there. Take care.

chinamom22 04/08/2015

I use xanax and it helps me. I am careful about the amount I use and always think twice before I take any (I don't want to be dependent on the drug). For me when I have an AFib event (I've had 3 in 3 years) I take the xanax for about 2 months. It gets me over the fear of AFib. Although now I'm seeing an EP and he isn't fond of me using the xanax. Even though I'm careful. He doesn't know me yet - so I understand his concern. My internist offered me an anti-depressant, but I'm not sure about those. I have an appointment with my EP in May and will talk about the best course for me. I'm the nervous anxious type!!!!! This AFib has taken me on a ride I didn't plan on taking :)
My thoughts are - take something to help you get adjusted to your new life if you need something. Keep us updated.

Charlene

coramdeo 04/09/2015

Hi. I believe my Afib and anxiety go hand-in-hand in my case. I don't know which comes first (chicken or egg, anxiety or Afib). I don't have any advice to give...but just know you are not the only one--and the monitoring we often because of meds (or monitors) may just be adding to your stress. I just pray a lot and try to keep going. Wish I could provide you something more. God Bless

bigad0508 04/09/2015

For me, Afib itself doesn't cause anxiety, because I've been dealing with it for a long time and felt great mentally. But it's gotten worse over the years, so now trying to treat it...when I start taking drugs like metoprolol and sotalol, then I get high anxiety, which I believe is the drug side effect for many.

SameDayNurse 04/09/2015

I have a prescription for low dose Xanax 0.25mg the first few years of my afib journey I refused to use it for some ridiculous reason and then one night I was having a bad episode for no apparent reason and was talking to a nurse friend who said and you arent taking the Xanax BECAUSE ???? and my husband went and got it and pretty much said TAKE IT. The rest is history. IF I have an episode I take one immediately and if I wake up in the night or for work at 4:30am with a feeling of anxiety and can feel my heart pound I take one.....both of these occasions are very rare but the results and the ability to be calm and rational are amazing and I only wish I hadnt resisted for so long. Best wishes......jan

twincheryl 04/09/2015

Thanks all... I feel kind of like a sissy posting about this at all... but feel safe and trusting that your replies are helping me deal with this new journey. I despise taking any meds and I guess the prospect of this being something that is likely not going to go away is getting to me. I'm not into drama and always feel like I should just get on with things, so would definitely use any anxiety med only in a last resort situation. Will see how willing the GP is when I finally get an appt...

lalab707 04/09/2015

Don feel like a sissy, I was a single Mom of four, (oh ya they were all teens at one time, 13, 15, 17 & 17) live with fibromyalgia, cancer survivor and plenty others ailments. Afib scared me more than all that seemed to come out of no where and consumed me.

It has been a little over six months pretty well understood, but the fear is there even though I realize it won't kill me. Acceptance better but when your heart starts ra ing it naturally will scare you.

laurab

DougL 04/09/2015

Check out the post by Pacyetep titled "Like to Hear Your Comments on This". Lots of good info there.

juniebe 04/10/2015

My feeling is whatever gets you thru the bad times, it's ok. That includes the Lorazepam I was prescribed. Was also prescribed Xanax, but didn't like it as well. I don't preach pill popping, but if you can be helped with a little pill here and there, I don't see the harm. I realize that they are addictive and need to be treated with respect and caution. That said,when the chips are down and I need to sleep, I don't hesitate.

cindy7150 04/11/2015

I have Xanax to take only at night to fall asleep if I'm in A-Fib. Thankfully I've been Afib free since 2/26/15. I feel my a-Fib and the ER doc announced they saved my life when I presented to the ER, created some anxiety about it returning. The longer I go without it, the more calm I am.

Surfrat 04/17/2015

Xanax i great as a supplemental aid. It also can help one sleep. Unfortunately, as I've mentioned dozens of times before I can never get a doctor to write a 'scrip for me of this helpful med. PCPs laugh at times when I ask them. Ridiculous. Best of luck and NSR.

BetsyST 04/24/2015

Hi Cheryl! Wonderful photo of you with that peaceful water!

Cheryl, anxiety is a very common companion to episodes of AFib, even as we understand the condition itself is -- as you say -- not life threatening. After all, our hearts are so critical so the sense that something is amiss is naturally unsettling. We all understand!

You are in no way, shape or form a sissy (I read your subsequent post) for wondering if support/intervention would help. For some of us, an Rx may help in moments when anxiety takes hold, but check with your own doctor on this, and perhaps seek help from a therapist.

I've found daily meditation to quiet music to be very helpful. I also try my very best to avoid needlessly stressful situations/people, since my AFib -- in my opinion -- is most apt to arise when I'm around stress.

Some thoughts: I use no alcohol, no caffeine and stay away from any sodium-heavy foods, plus remain well-hydrated and exercise. I imagine you've tried these approaches. If not, you might consider them. They sound tiresome, but my own intent is to avoid episodes if I can.

May your heart be happy and may your worries evaporate! Get all the help you feel you need and know that's your right! A-Fib is common as a stubbed toe, so know that you are never alone. Lots of company.

boyinthebush 04/24/2015

I believe anything you can do to reduce the anxiety is worth it. The anxiety is afib' worst enemy.

Cuzinvinny 04/24/2015

Hi Cheryl
I have an anxiety disorder with panic attakcs and take 2mg clonzepam twice a day or as needed. I have been off an on anxiety meds for years but if you need them you need them. For years I used marijuana for anxiety but Im scared to even try any now...who knows if all the pot smoking might haved caused my afib...dunno. Id be interested if anyone knows if marijuana has medicinal properties for afib. You are not alone....Thanks for sharing! Vinny

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