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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Appropriate Tx. for atrial Fibrillation
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Appropriate Tx. for atrial Fibrillation
by Jan K, Nov 14, 1999 12:00AM
About 1-year ago my 75 year old mother was diagnosed with mitral stenosis. Her only symptom at that time was occasional rapid heart beat. She was given ecg, coumedin, and another drug to regulate her heart rate. With hindsight, I am alarmed that she was never given a stress test. 2-weeks ago, she developed a whole new set of symptoms and spent a week in a hospital. She had overwhelming weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea and sweating. Luckily (I think) she was on vacation and saw new doctors.) Her original doctor never mentioned these symptoms or talked about her atrial fibrillation, or the leaking in the mitral valve. The drug he gave to slow her heart rate must have stopped working. She is now taking lopressor and a smaller dose of coumadin. She was given a 3rd drug but I don't know the name of it.
I have several questions.
1. Are there other symptoms that she should be aware of looking for.
2. At what point is there cause for alarm.
3. Could her original cardioogist have been less than thorough in not prescribing a stress test, and not discussing prognosis and possible danger symptoms.
4. The way the people in the hospital explained it is that the a-fib becomes a problem when her heart rate goes up. Would bio-feedback training help?
5. Can you recommend a good source of education about this?
I have several questions.
1. Are there other symptoms that she should be aware of looking for.
2. At what point is there cause for alarm.
3. Could her original cardioogist have been less than thorough in not prescribing a stress test, and not discussing prognosis and possible danger symptoms.
4. The way the people in the hospital explained it is that the a-fib becomes a problem when her heart rate goes up. Would bio-feedback training help?
5. Can you recommend a good source of education about this?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD JMF, Nov 15, 1999 12:00AM
In response to your questions:
1. Are there other symptoms that she should be aware of looking for.
She should monitor for signs of dizziness, exercise intolerance and shortness of breath. Any of these could indicate a fast rate and decrease in heart funciton.
2. At what point is there cause for alarm.
with the development of symptoms and certainly if there is associated chestpain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
3. Could her original cardioogist have been less than thorough in not prescribing a stress test, and not discussing
prognosis and possible danger symptoms.
Each patient is different and without knowing you mothers history would be difficult to say. I would in general do an echocardiogram and if warranted would consider a stress test.
4. The way the people in the hospital explained it is that the a-fib becomes a problem when her heart rate goes up.
Would bio-feedback training help? Not really.
5. Can you recommend a good source of education about this?
You can check with the american heart associattion website.
1. Are there other symptoms that she should be aware of looking for.
She should monitor for signs of dizziness, exercise intolerance and shortness of breath. Any of these could indicate a fast rate and decrease in heart funciton.
2. At what point is there cause for alarm.
with the development of symptoms and certainly if there is associated chestpain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
3. Could her original cardioogist have been less than thorough in not prescribing a stress test, and not discussing
prognosis and possible danger symptoms.
Each patient is different and without knowing you mothers history would be difficult to say. I would in general do an echocardiogram and if warranted would consider a stress test.
4. The way the people in the hospital explained it is that the a-fib becomes a problem when her heart rate goes up.
Would bio-feedback training help? Not really.
5. Can you recommend a good source of education about this?
You can check with the american heart associattion website.
I am uncertain what causes this.