treatment for atrial fibrillation

[helen]

I have tachycardia bradycardia syndrome.  Had pacemaker fitted several months ago but still troubled with atrial fibrillation despite maximum dose of Verapamil (can't take betablockers).  Any other possible treatments?

[dave]

I am 34 and have had several bouts with a-fib for the last 7 years.  My last one was in August.  After 22 hours and ready for cardio-version, the drug "rhythmol" kicked in and I didn't have to cardio-vert.  This was the first time I consulted a cardiologist.  Most of the GP's I have ever seen are very much in the dark about this condition.  The cardiologist made me lose 40 lbs and keep my blood pressure under control.  He thinks that it was a large factor in my a-fib.  I have now lost 40 lbs, exercise daily, take my BP every day, and have put myself on some vitamin therapy.  I now feel great.  Vitamins are: multi,C,E,Magnesium,CoQ10,GLA/Borage oil,and a barley supplement.  I suggest you read the book "Atrial Fibrillation: My heart, the doctors and me".  This is a very informative book about the condition from someone who went to great lengths to find out about this conditon.  Look on Amazon.com.  Hope this helps.

[chocolate lover]

I am 29 and had an attack of a fib with fast ventricular response It was awful They gave me cardizem and I converted 16 hrs later they were about to cardio vert me. has anyone had this done. In the past years I have had alot of pacs pvcs everyday didnt know if this was the cause I have 2 small clildren and hope I do not have to go through that again it has been 3 weeks if any one is young with a fib please respond I need support

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Yes, in fact there are several other possible treatments other than just Verapamil. There are numerous other drugs to help slow down the heart rate, which can be done safely now since you have a pacemaker. There are also medications that can be used to attempt to put your heart back in normal rhythm. Electrical cardioversion may also be attempted to put your heart back in a normal rhythm. You might want to see the cardiologist who placed the pacemaker for these options.

[C.N.]

I have had both a-fib and v-tach.  The a-fib I have most of the time now.  With a-fib it involves the atrium, sometimes with a fast ventricular rhythm, and sometimes not.  If the ventricular rhythm is not fast, some people don't even notice a-fib. A-fib is primarily dangerous because it can cause clots to form.  But actually as far as the rhythms themselves v-tach is far more dangerous.  V-tach can turn into v-fib.  Many people who have v-tach require internal defibrillators, the rhythm is so serious.  I think in some cases this is not required but on the whole I believe v-tach is a more serious rhythm problem.  Of course I'm not a doctor, this is strictly speaking from experience.

[Stan H]

A-fib is felt as a rapid and irregular beat.  It feels like (to me anyway) an eggbeater in your chest...your heart rate can easily hit 180 or more.  It is not the skipped beat or double beat commonly felt with PVCs or PACs.  When the atrium is in fibrillation blood can pool and form clots....when the a-fib stops any clots formed may enter the heart and blood system with a potential for causing damage.  The potential for clotting during a-fib is why it requires medication in the form of an anti-clotting agent such as Coumadin.

[Juliette]

Thanks Chris, I think I have my answer.  I think that is pretty much what I have.  Thanks for your help.

[Gail]

There are treatments for atrial fib but no cures for most of us.  Antiarrythmics are available and a few have success with ablations.  Depends on the cause of your atrial fib.  I have tried both of these options with some decrease in the number of episodes of atrial fib but no cessation .  I am going to start a new antiarrthmic called dofetilde (Tikosyn), but like I told my EP doc, I'm searching for a cure.  I wish you luck and hang in there!

[Juliette]

To Helen : I am wondering what atrial fibrillation acturally feels like.  I have MVP and have heard that is the worst rhythem disorder.  My heart pounds all the time from the prolapse but how do I know if it is fibrillation or just v-tach. I guess you are an expert because you have it? V-tach is not dangerous but a fibrillation is??????