New with Afib

  Two months ago I became light headed, cold, nauscious and had blurred vision while driving.  My primary physician checked my heart and determined that I had Afib.  The referred cardiologist concurred.  I underwent a Echo-cardiogram & Thallium Stress Test today and am awaiting results.
  What I would like to know is what levels of exercise people have been able to enjoy and what types of treatment you have found to bring positive results.
  I don't plan to quit living due to Afib!!!

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Tom, thank you for your question.  I applaud your "can do" attitude and I'll try to help.  Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common disorder that has numerous causes (valvular heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism).  Treatment of afib involves slowing the heart rate down, thinning the blood to prevent clots from forming in the heart, and converting the cardiac rhythm back to normal sinus rhythm.  The echocardiogram helps to identify structural heart disease and the measure the size of the left atrium where afib originates.  With a very large left atrium, the chances of restoring sinus rhythm are very small.  The stress test will help to rule out blockages in the coronary arteries as a cause of the Afib.  Typically, medications are used to slow the heart rate, which is increased in Afib.  At the same time, a blood thinner named coumadin is given to prevent clots from forming in the left atrium which no longer contracts normally and therefore is prone to developing clots.  Clots in the left atrium can embolize to cause a stroke.  After an appropriate period of anticoagulation, sinus rhythm can be restored with an electrical countershock called cardioversion, medications, or a combination of the two.   There currently is no consensus about the best initial method of restoring sinus rhythm, but medications are often needed to maintain sinus rhythm over the long run.   Also, underlying causes of Afib should be evaluated and treated (hyperthyroidism, hypertension) since the Afib may cease once these conditions are treated.  Depending on the expected likelihood of Afib recurring, you may need long-term anticoagulation.  Hopefully, you can speak with your cardiologist about these options when you discuss the results of your tests to determine an appropriate treatment plan for yourself.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.