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 am trying to come up with the three most important question's for my appointment Friday.
My PCP has lowered thyroid meds put me on metoprolol and eliquis. HP good and BP stays down as long as HP stays down. I typically have low BP. Cholesterol good and in the last two years lost 40lbs. Eat healthy clean and organic for most part.
Not happy to be on meds hoping to get off some and manage without. My mind is racing like why does PCP still say heart is irregular? Does that mean I am not in NSR? The last two times it all seemed at of whack I just waited out, is that okay and my list goes on.
Suggestions welcome as sometimes I rattle on so I will make a list the three most important questions.
Thanks
Laura
My PCP has lowered thyroid meds put me on metoprolol and eliquis. HP good and BP stays down as long as HP stays down. I typically have low BP. Cholesterol good and in the last two years lost 40lbs. Eat healthy clean and organic for most part.
Not happy to be on meds hoping to get off some and manage without. My mind is racing like why does PCP still say heart is irregular? Does that mean I am not in NSR? The last two times it all seemed at of whack I just waited out, is that okay and my list goes on.
Suggestions welcome as sometimes I rattle on so I will make a list the three most important questions.
Thanks
Laura
Do You have a Plan as to what to do when you get an episode?
Can you Call or Email him later if you have a question?
Really important, write your questions down, and leave a space so you can jot down a few words about his answer.
below is a list of general questions I found on another website that you might want to consider asking your cardio. Of course you will want to tweak them to fit your situation, what you feel you want/need to know and how much time you have to discuss. But it might be a good place to start.
The question about taking anticoagulants is moot because you are already taking Eliquis.
Hope this helps and your appointment on Friday is a success!
take care,
atp
*******************************************
Key questions to ask your clinicians
If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, here are some topics that you may wish to raise.
Causes of AF
- What is the cause of my atrial fibrillation? Do I need treatment for the causes and will it stop the AF?
- Is there anything I can do to stop it or reduce the episodes?
Lifestyle
- Can I exercise safely? What exercises will be most beneficial to me?
- Do I need to change my diet? Are there certain foods or drinks I should avoid?
- How will taking an anticoagulant affect my lifestyle, work or other commitments?
Medication
- Do I need to take an anticoagulant? Which anticoagulant would be best for me why is this?
- How will my atrial fibrillation drugs interact with my other existing medications?
- Are there any alternatives to the medications you are prescribing, and if so what are they? How can I be assessed for these?
Outlook
- What happens if I still feel unwell? When should I see or talk to my PCP?
- If I feel very unwell I normally go to ER. Is this the appropriate thing to do?
- Is there an operation to repair my heart and stop the AF?
- Should I consider cardioversion or a procedure such as ablation? What are the risks and benefits to the procedure?