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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nannette76 07/04/2013

I am in Afib all the time. I had a cardioversion and it only worked for a short time. I take Xarelto and Digoxin. I am 59. My pulse rate is 65 to 80. I also have low blood pressure. I was scheduled for another cardioversion and they were going to put me on Rythmol while in the hospital. This was delayed because my thyroid was really low. My thyroid is better now and I feel much better. I think I am still in Afib. I also have had PVCs for years.

I am rethinking the cardioversion and rythmol. Since I am feeling good I am thinking about just continuing on the Xarelto and Digoxin. Do you think it is dangerous to just stay on rate control and blood thinner? I keep hearing about fibrosis. Is that a lot more likely if I don't have the cardioversion and go on the rythmol?

Thank you.

pacyetep 07/05/2013

Nannette: The latest is that they no longer believe afib causes fibosis. It is atrial pressure that is hypothesized to cause it. Things like high blood pressure, extreme sports, valve leakage that increases pressure, etc. are believed to be the cause. Some doctors will hold on to the old beliefs probably though.

RECENT PRESENTATIONS AT AFIB 2013 CONFERENCE: Fibrosis session presentation by Hans Kottkamp challenged the old thinking about fibrosis and remodeling. Afib, length of time in afib, type of afib (persistent vs paroxysmal) have no effect on fibrosis. It was already there in those that were studied.

If you don't have symptoms, it is probably best not to mess with the afib. Maybe when FIRM ablation is proven, it might have some benefit.

petey

nannette76 07/08/2013

Thank you. I really appreciate you responding.

yogacat 07/08/2013

Hi Nannette, Welcome to the Group. I know several folks with persistent afib who seem to be doing really fine.

I have paroxysmal and use Rythmol as PIP. I don't think I'd like to take it daily. The 'thing' about paroxysmal afib, you never know when it will start! Persistent is reliable.

Hope your Day has laughter and merriment!!!!!

marikay234 07/08/2013

Welcome Nanette,
I pretty much agree with the other comments. I think the big question is how good do you feel? Does being in a fib limit you in any way? You are young enough that trying to get back into NSR is reasonable if you are being slowed down by a fib. Either choice is right...go with what feels right for you.

deleted_user 07/08/2013

I thought Dixoxin and Afib was dangerous according to Kaiser report

yogacat 07/08/2013

Hi mastromatto, Welcome!!!!!!!!

pacyetep 07/08/2013

Multaq is the one that is bad for longstanding persistent/permanent afib:

Dronedarone (multaq) increased rates of heart failure, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who were at risk for major vascular events. Our data show that this drug should not be used in such patients.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1109867

petey

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