Recently diagnosed myself (late Jan) and just posted for first time a few minutes ago. I COMPLETELY understand and am awaiting the same answer. I've researched online like crazy but no definitive answer so i hope someone here can help. i THINK from what ive read that if you're taking the appropriate meds, its ok to have the symptoms for a while but.......

It depends on many things, how fast your heart rate is, if you are on anticoagulants which is a must for us. Some people do not feel it at all, others are very aware! I am one of those that is very aware and it scares the crap out of me! My EP says heart rate over 100 and lasting more than 24 hours then I need to call and come in for cardioversion or go to ER. It took me 3 years of suffering running to the ER and not knowing the answers to these questions before i found and EP that could give me the rules and guidance I needed I used to go to ER every time! Had I found this site back then I would of been a whole lot better off.
But you need to ask your Doc what the rules are in your case as we are all different. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the input. The more I read up on this condition the more depressed I get. My brother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few months ago. He was in the hospital for a week of treatment and discharged back to normal. He is doing so well and seems to be able to go on as normal; not worrying like I am for the next attack. It just seems like life will never be the same. My appt. with the cardiologist was only 15 mins. which is a very short time to get all the answers you need when first faced with this and all it entails. Hopefully better days are coming.

kcarr

As far as the ER is concerned Ive only been once, and that was NOT because of an a-fib attack but because I had had a mini-stroke (TIA) due to incorrect anticoagulation (I was on aspirin and plavix at the time). I know when I am in a-fib and can feel it, but as long as I sit still its doable. As soon as I have to walk anywhere (like get up for a cup of tea) or move at all my irregular heart rate (HR) can sky rocket to unbelievable heights. I am lucky though; mine have always ended by themselves.

I doubt that anyone here will be able to tell you what to do when a-fib hits you. Were not doctors, the best we can do is tell you how we have managed it and then you can take it from there and hopefully find an answer that will fit your situation.

Hope you find your answer! btw OF COURSE BETTER DAYS ARE COMING!!
from across the pond, atp

Episodes vary a lot from person to person. Some are very symptomatic and others can't tell that they are in afib.
When to go to ER: as a general rule...
If you have chest pain, feel short of breath, or light headed
If your heartbeat is very rapid, over 120

Learn to find your pulse and get used to the rate when you are not in afib. Afib rate is irregularly irregular and faster than normal. It helps to get used to how it feels for you.

Hope this helps a little. Afib, especially if very symptomatic, is scary. The anxiety and panic can make it worse. One of the things that helped me the most was to have a "pill-in-pocket" plan. A med to take at the beginning of an episode to slow the rate, and help restore rhythm. It helps to know there is something you can do. I also have a rx for ativan to reduce my anxiety and I take that at the start of an episode also.

Forgot to add: I would go to ER if you haven't converted after about 8 hours, but it is a good question to ask your cardiologist.

I only went to the ER once in 28-something years of AFIb - One if the first time I had it when I was diagnosed. I had many many many episodes lasting as long we 2 weeks. Every episode I ever had went away by itself with no medical intervention - except one. And that has an aflutter episode that happened AFTER my ablation that went for 2 weeks and my EP decided it best to stop it for my healing heart. No issues since then. I followed docs instructions as far as anticoagulants first with aspirin and then in mt last couple of years on on-off episodes, prescription meds when I was in Afib. I think there are many people who run to the ER unnecessarily and perhaps subject themselves to too many cardioversions. The most important thing is to find a excellent experienced electrophysiologist and follow their guidance. Once constant I heard from my EP as that if you are really uncomfortable and can't stand it, then go in. The EP though can provide guidance based on the overall health and heart health of the patient. Afib contributes to the enlarging of the atrium so it is something you want to limit to some extent if you don't believe you can convert on your own. I could always tell when I was in afib because my heart beat was completely irregular versus just fast. Hope youu are doing well KCarr

We all have different experiences with AFIB episodes, some go to the ER, others to the movies (I tended to be a movie guy myself). We used to think that longer AFIB episodes were more problematic, now the thinking is not so certain. The most important thing is to be on an anti-coagulant (not aspirin or Plavix). Strokes are not fun.

When in a episode, my heart rate used to go to 140 at rest (and that was on beta blockers). If you can't measure your heart rate, get an Oximeter, they are rather inexpensive. My AFIB progressed over the course of 40 years. I did not like the idea of taking rhythm control drugs with the potential for side effects. After a stroke, I finally got an ablation, now I feel great. However, there are a few people here who have had complicated ablations, they are not all easy. Find yourself a good EP. You may want to view a few videos from the Heart Rhythm Society, they are available on www.stopafib.org

You might want to start with this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Beat-Your--Fib-Essential-Fibrillation/dp/0984951407/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402779750&sr=1-1&keywords=afib

I have never been to the ER, never really understood why I would go there and be converted only to go back into afib the next day. I am somewhat exercise intolerant when in afib but just take a lot of breaks when doing things like hiking. By the way, I have been in afib since Friday and hiked 4 miles on Saturday at 10 thousand feet, not too steep though. I agree with Paul get yourself a pulse meter/oximetry, $40-50 at most drug stores. When I am in afib I gets some short blasts of 150 per minute but usually just for a split second. I actually feel worse laying or sitting around waiting for afib to subside. If I did that now, Id been in bed most of the time.

I can totally relate to what you are feeling.
I am ashamed to admit I went to ER twelve times in the beginning.
My doctor told me not to go but to call HIM if it goes over 120
and take an extra cardizem. He said they can't do anything for you.
If you have heart attack symptoms, chest pain, sweating, pain
down your arm and the like then it is time to go.
I get so scared when I go into AFIB like everyone else. In ER
they just give you Ativan and cardizem and tell you reassuringly
that you will be ok but you must be on a blood thinner.
I moved to a place where the hospital is one block away
and that helped make my decision to build here. and other
people who live here also say it gave them incentive to live here.
I think we are all afraid ... but some handle it better than others.
good luck to you and welcome to this wonderful site.
Marilyn

Thanks again everyone. I will look into getting the pulse meter/oximeter. That would relieve my anxiety.

I was diagnosed with AFIB in Novenber 2012, which was caused by a medication I was given while in the hospital for pneumonia.
Right now I'm rate and rytm controlled with medication.
I take pradaxa twice a day, diltiazam xr 180 mg once a day and digoxin once a day along with a 81mg asprin for an ASD closure I had last year.
My cardio tells me I'm in AFIB all the time, and honestly I can't really feel anything different.
At times my heart does start racing, and that's when I just take slow deep breaths and sit and meditate. If that doesn't help then I'm off to the ER.
Luckily it hasn't happend that often since I had my last procedure done in Sept 2012.

I believe it is important to be referred to a good EP who will guide you regarding this. My EP has told me to call him if my episodes of PAF last longer (this varies with the individual) than average. He has advised against going to the ER unless I am traveling and have no other option. He has provided me with a letter to carry, which includes specific treatment instructions, and his phone number for consultation purposes.

I sometimes wonder that I am not concerned enough about my afib. I can def tell when I am in without even checking my pulse and can tell when I am out. I have never been to the ER to convert. I have been told if it goes longer than 24 hours that is when I should begin to consider a trip to ER. I usually stay in afib for 3-9 hours if I do absolutely nothing about it. Usually I will wait about an hour then go do some kind of cardio exercise and it converts that way. I am 40 years old. Not sure how long the cardio conversion will work.

I just know when I go into afib...yes, my heart is irregular and I can feel it, but I also have a feeling...and I am light headed. I also know when I come out of it. I feel so much better all of a sudden.

I was told not to go to ER. I take Pradaxa daily. When in afib, I take a beta blocker to slow my rate if it is too high. I can still function and can do things around the house. I have been in afib with a low rate for days.

The only time I was in ER was when I was diagnosed. They could not get me out of it.

We all learn how to live with it as best we can!