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.
I'll try to make this brief. I'm 41 (male) and had my first afib attack in 2006 and had an electrical cardioversion. I was diagnosed with lone afib.
I went 5 years before I had my next attack in 2011. Once again I went to the E.R. and had an electrical cardioversion.
Then in February 2012 I had another attack and went to the E.R. for another electrical cardioversion. So far (knock on wood), I have been in NSR.
I'm not on any meds, blood thinners, aspirin, etc. etc. because I only have these episodes sporadically and when I get them, it hits me hard - 150 - 200 beats per minute - so I know I'm in afib!!
By default, I have always gone straight to the E.R. because the cardioversions have always worked. The problem is, it's a major pain in the butt, frustrating, and expensive!
My cardiologist said I should try the P.I.P. approach (Flecainide) the next time this happens. He said it might help convert me on my own without having to go to the E.R.
Here's my concern. One cardiologist I met with would not give me a prescription to Flecainide. He doesn't let any of his patients take it on their own for the first time. He demands they go to the E.R. first and then take it. If it works and there are no side effects, then he'll give a prescription so I can take it at home.
My main cardiologist didn't understand that approach and said given my young age and good heart health, he has no problem giving me Flecainide and allow me to take it on my own.
I'm a little worried. Why would one doctor demand I go to the E.R. before I take this stuff and another have no problem at all of letting me take it on my own for the first time? What could happen that one doctor would require I be in the E.R. before taking it?
And regardless of taking Flecainide or not, I'm just wondering if I should hold off heading to the E.R. the next time I get afib. As long as I can tolerate 150 - 200 beats per minute (and I can), would it hurt to wait a good 12 hours or so to see if maybe I convert on my own...or is it best to just head to the E.R.? And should I take the Flecainide on my own or take it in the E.R.??
I don't know if this info helps to know, but I have normal to low blood pressure and my resting heart rate is 50 (I used to be an avid runner).
Travis
I went 5 years before I had my next attack in 2011. Once again I went to the E.R. and had an electrical cardioversion.
Then in February 2012 I had another attack and went to the E.R. for another electrical cardioversion. So far (knock on wood), I have been in NSR.
I'm not on any meds, blood thinners, aspirin, etc. etc. because I only have these episodes sporadically and when I get them, it hits me hard - 150 - 200 beats per minute - so I know I'm in afib!!
By default, I have always gone straight to the E.R. because the cardioversions have always worked. The problem is, it's a major pain in the butt, frustrating, and expensive!
My cardiologist said I should try the P.I.P. approach (Flecainide) the next time this happens. He said it might help convert me on my own without having to go to the E.R.
Here's my concern. One cardiologist I met with would not give me a prescription to Flecainide. He doesn't let any of his patients take it on their own for the first time. He demands they go to the E.R. first and then take it. If it works and there are no side effects, then he'll give a prescription so I can take it at home.
My main cardiologist didn't understand that approach and said given my young age and good heart health, he has no problem giving me Flecainide and allow me to take it on my own.
I'm a little worried. Why would one doctor demand I go to the E.R. before I take this stuff and another have no problem at all of letting me take it on my own for the first time? What could happen that one doctor would require I be in the E.R. before taking it?
And regardless of taking Flecainide or not, I'm just wondering if I should hold off heading to the E.R. the next time I get afib. As long as I can tolerate 150 - 200 beats per minute (and I can), would it hurt to wait a good 12 hours or so to see if maybe I convert on my own...or is it best to just head to the E.R.? And should I take the Flecainide on my own or take it in the E.R.??
I don't know if this info helps to know, but I have normal to low blood pressure and my resting heart rate is 50 (I used to be an avid runner).
Travis
That's encouraging to hear that it works for you. Again, I hope I can go a while before I have to make that decision but if it comes sooner than later, I'll be sure to let everyone know what I decide to do. I'm inclined to try the Flec but for some reason it just makes me nervous. I'm so fearful I'll have some kind of freak reaction to it and make things worse, but making trips to the E.R. is a real drag too.
Travis
I don't know why I'm so afraid to try the PIP approach. I guess I'm worried something worse will happen or that it won't work and I'll miss the window of opportunity to have a cardioversion. The E.R. doc said if I get there within 3-4 hours of the onset of afib, cardioversions are simple and safe (as they have been so far), but once you go beyond that the risks of clots, strokes, etc. go up so they have to give me blood thinners and all that crap. Why bother with that when I can just have the cardioversion immediately and be done with it.
I have an appointment with my EP in a couple months so we'll see. I just thought I'd update everyone and let them know I missed my goal and I chickened out. It wasn't a good day for me.
Travis
oh, btw, my hr does not shoot up above 100 resting in AF. that would concern me- your high rate.
and. stress management/ yoga/ lifestyle change is what has been the most effective in reducing episodes, in my situation.