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.
My cardiologist wanted me to try bystolic last month, went to pick it up only to find out it contained gluren a no no for me. So I stuck it out on metropolol.
As long as I stay on 75 mg, succinate get a little irregular but never go into afib, just exhausted. I have never had high blood pressure except when in afib, and had never been told my heart beat was irregular or fast until this all started in Sept.
I am on Eliquis but how do I know if I really need a beta blocker except as a PIP? They changed my thyroid so how do I know if I really have Afib? They did a heart monitor and all I know is the Dr. Thinks meds can take care of it and I will get full details when I see him.
This is just all so whelming and I read but so much is not sinking in, I don't want to be an uninvolved patient but I need a simple way of comprehending all this. Just confused and need help with the right questions.
thanks
laurab
As long as I stay on 75 mg, succinate get a little irregular but never go into afib, just exhausted. I have never had high blood pressure except when in afib, and had never been told my heart beat was irregular or fast until this all started in Sept.
I am on Eliquis but how do I know if I really need a beta blocker except as a PIP? They changed my thyroid so how do I know if I really have Afib? They did a heart monitor and all I know is the Dr. Thinks meds can take care of it and I will get full details when I see him.
This is just all so whelming and I read but so much is not sinking in, I don't want to be an uninvolved patient but I need a simple way of comprehending all this. Just confused and need help with the right questions.
thanks
laurab
Thyroid problems can definitely contribute to irregular heart issues. However, I think thyroid as sole cause of AFIB is not realistic. I've had AFIB for decades, with normal thyroid function (I have copies of my lab tests going back ten years). I had an ablation last April (shortly after my stroke) and was in NSR for four months. In August I started having AFIB episodes again (although not as severe). I September my thyroid tests started show hyperthyroidism. I've now been on thyroid suppression medication for over five weeks and the AFIB seems to have calmed down. I still get a PACs daily and the EP says I get a lot of extra beats. My implanted heart monitor says I'm in AFIB 13% of the time. But that was before the thyroid suppression drug had fully kicked in. When I see the EP in a few months, I'm hoping to see an improvement in my AFIB Burden (that's the 13% number above)
All that being said, follow up with the thyroid. See an endocrinologist if you feel that necessary. Mine did a radioactive iodine uptake test (painless) and a thyroid ultrasound (painless). Managing your thyroid well may produce some improvement. But, AFIB tends to have a mind of its own. There are members here who have no more than one episode a year. Then again, there are those of us who've had episodes almost daily. Chaos seem to me the best way to describe this condition.
So be thankful that the metoprolol helps you. Make sure you take your Eliquis religiously. Don't get all freaked out when you have another episode. This is something you just may have to live with. It won't kill you and if you take your Eliquis, you are pretty safe. It can be disturbing, but it doesn't have to control you. You could pursue a rhythm control drug with your cardio. Some members have had great success with them. Others were negatively effected by the side effects. Of course you could find an EP that would do an ablation (surgery). However, it does sound that either of these options are required for you at this time. Keep working with your cardio. Hang out here, you'll learn a lot. It takes time.
When is your next Dr. appointment?
Paul I watched your journey on here with thyroid as I have been hypo since I was17 now 63 and the first thing they did was multiple tests. I was on too much synthroid, funny thing is according to internist it was fine. The new Dr. I have now talked with the ER and jEndocrinologist about results did some more and will recheck in 3 months.
I guess I just want a simple fix and no chaos and not going to happen. Acceptance? I am better prepared for Card./EP than my first visit. Just want to line up my questions.
laurab
I just read your post about not even thinking of your heart before......yes it just did it's job and I never gave it a thought. Boy that has changed we notice every slight change now. Thought it would be few year's before I took blood pressure and checked heart rates daily like when I am old at 70 or 80!
Not counting on thyroid being the only answer as they say it ia where it belongs and it is still not completely controlled. See what Dr, has to say tomorrow, trying to make my intelligent list of questions so I do not get of track.