Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
AFIB Medication
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
AFIB Medication
by Mando68, Jan 01, 2007 12:00AM
Hello, Thank you for asnwering my question. I'm a 38 year old male, and I had an episode of AFIB almost 2 years ago. I converted back via Tambacor and Cardizem about 12 hours into it. My cardiologist took me off the Tambacor after about three months but I still am on the Cardizem (60mg SR 2X a day). Lately (past 6 months) I feel hardly any irregualar beats, just occassional flutters and PAC's, best in years. A couple of questions: In your opinion, Do I really need to stay on Cardizem since it's been so long since my AFIB, or is it really the medicine that has kept the AFIB and PAC's away? Is it possible that this was an isolated incident, or is it definetly going to come back? Before this episode I had about 10years worth of PAC, PVC, which I had learned to live with over the years. I've read that PAC's can trigger AFIB, is this true? Lastly, when I went into AFIB my heart was beating about 200bpm, is this normal when you have an AFIB attack?
Thank you again for your time and answering my questions. This is a great forum for people, It's greatly appreciated.
Thank you again for your time and answering my questions. This is a great forum for people, It's greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Jan 01, 2007 12:00AM
Hello,
Glad to hear you haven't had any recent episodes of atrial fibrillation. These are very logical and common clinic questions.
1. In your opinion, Do I really need to stay on Cardizem since it's been so long since my AFIB, or is it really the medicine that has kept the AFIB and PAC's away?
There is no data to suggest that Cardizem (calcium channel blockers) decrease the risk fo atrial fibrillation or the frequency of PVCs/PACs. They may decrease the sensation of the PAC/PVCs by decrease the strength of your hearts contraction.
If you want to come off the cardizem and do not have another reason to be on it, it should be ok to stop it (after discussing this with your doctor).
2. Is it possible that this was an isolated incident, or is it definetly going to come back?
It is possible that it was isolated, especially if it ocurred in the setting of alcohol or thyroid problems. It does mean that you are increased risk for having it in the future.
3. Before this episode I had about 10years worth of PAC, PVC, which I had learned to live with over the years. I've read that PAC's can trigger AFIB, is this true?
This is true -- atrial fibrillation can be caused by PACs, but also can initiate with PACs.
4. Lastly, when I went into AFIB my heart was beating about 200bpm, is this normal when you have an AFIB attack?
The rate of atrial fibrillation depends on your baseline heart conduction system and the degree to which it is greased up with adrenaline or stress. 200 beats per minute is pretty fast, but we do see rates like that occassionally.
I hope this answers your questions. Thanks for posting and happy holidays.
Glad to hear you haven't had any recent episodes of atrial fibrillation. These are very logical and common clinic questions.
1. In your opinion, Do I really need to stay on Cardizem since it's been so long since my AFIB, or is it really the medicine that has kept the AFIB and PAC's away?
There is no data to suggest that Cardizem (calcium channel blockers) decrease the risk fo atrial fibrillation or the frequency of PVCs/PACs. They may decrease the sensation of the PAC/PVCs by decrease the strength of your hearts contraction.
If you want to come off the cardizem and do not have another reason to be on it, it should be ok to stop it (after discussing this with your doctor).
2. Is it possible that this was an isolated incident, or is it definetly going to come back?
It is possible that it was isolated, especially if it ocurred in the setting of alcohol or thyroid problems. It does mean that you are increased risk for having it in the future.
3. Before this episode I had about 10years worth of PAC, PVC, which I had learned to live with over the years. I've read that PAC's can trigger AFIB, is this true?
This is true -- atrial fibrillation can be caused by PACs, but also can initiate with PACs.
4. Lastly, when I went into AFIB my heart was beating about 200bpm, is this normal when you have an AFIB attack?
The rate of atrial fibrillation depends on your baseline heart conduction system and the degree to which it is greased up with adrenaline or stress. 200 beats per minute is pretty fast, but we do see rates like that occassionally.
I hope this answers your questions. Thanks for posting and happy holidays.
1.when I went into AFIB my heart was beating about 200bpm, is this normal when you have an AFIB attack?
This sounds about right, if your heart rhythm was ireggularly irregular it is true Afib.
2.I've read that PAC's can trigger AFIB, is this true?
This is true...PAC's can trigger Afib
3.Do I really need to stay on Cardizem since it's been so long since my AFIB, or is it really the medicine that has kept the AFIB and PAC's away?
Is it possible that this was an isolated incident, or is it definetly going to come back?
If you've not had another episode, this would be called LAF (Lone Afib) without an EP study it cannot be determined if this will come back. Have you had an EP study? I would not stop any meds without guidance from your cardiologist.
Can I ask, V-Fib need to take blood thinner or not? V-Fib won't last long like A-Fib.
My a fib was well controlled with medication and my only thinner was a daily full strengh asprin. I know of others who also are well controlled either from ablation or medication who are on blood thinners. I assume age and risk factors are a consideration in making the decision. In your case, it certainly is worth a consulation with your doctor to help you make the decision.
I have been in a-fib for eight years, some doctors thought I coud get by with asperin, but the GP decided cumadin was the best bet for someone my age (42). I am on a calcium channel blocker and it doesn't stop the a-fib one bit, it just slows down the heart response.
To answer your question about an increase of pac's post ablation...This is to be expected, as the tissue that had been ablated heals. You may also have an increase if you're taking CA-channel blockers.
svt but not the pacs so I am not sure what to do next. I have tried verapamil and digoxin and thought they were increasing them as well. I can't take beta blockers due to asthma. Any ideas?