atrial fibrillation

[john_e]

53 yr. old male / runner for past 25 yrs. with no probs. until 6 to 8 months ago at that time after a few mins. of running - shortness of breath - leg musceles ache with latic acid buildup - chest pounding - have to stop running / stress test on 10/19 - diagnosis - exercise induced atrial fibrillation / no known incidences of AF when not excercising / appt. with cardiologist 10/23 - perscribed an echo cardiogram & 50mg. twice daily of Tambocor (flecanide) / Questions - 1) Will incidence of AF increase as I age?  2) Will AF incidences occur even if I quit exercising?  3) Is doing nothing a valid option since it has until now only been a prob when exercising?  4) Is ablation an option?  5) With ablation is a pacemaker required?  6) What is  Tambocor induced mortality rate?  7) Cardiologist asked me to resume exercising after being on Tambocor 72 hours - Is that prudent?  8)  Should I wait for echo results before starting Tambocor? 9) What other options do I have?

Thank you very much for any and all information.

Sincerely
John E.

[arthur]

check out the more recent posts re. Afib for more info and check out the archives herein.

[jimmybob]

I am 19 and I have a-fib, the docs told me that I might have loan a-fib, my problem is that when I went into a-fib I didn't feel too bad, I was moving and doing my daily activities fine, the only thing I felt was my heart beating irregularly. and more info to me would be very much grateful, send an e-mail my way at ***@****.

[frances]

my mom, age 73 diagnosed with a-fib went into chf twice in the last 6 months and had 2 mild strokes. I am now her caregiver, dispensing 6 meds daily: coumedin, altace, lasix, aldactone,lanoxin, and cordarone. My dad disagreed with the Dx, convinced she has pernicious anemia and threw out her meds; subsequently she went into chf and is now back on the meds. Is there any confusion as to pernicious anemia and chf? Secondly, she is always thirsty, guzzling about 12 pops a days and tired.  I try to get her to exercise, but she is always too tired.  I am on this site to learn more about this disease and its progression. Thanks.

[arthur]

I had about the same scenario occur...I play competitive soccer, and now am 53.  Two years ago, I had my first "lone" AF during a game.  In that first year I had about 6 more episodes, occuring more frequently, lasting 10-20 hours, all incurred by exercise.  An EP diagnosed me with AF due to pulmonary vein foci (the most common source of atrial ectopy).  I underwent an rf ablation of one of several foci.  One year later, no more AF, no matter how hard I run, play or train.  Only thing left are skips (PACs) which result from the remaining PV foci.  Some cardio centers ablate any and all foci, my EP chose to be more prudent...since rf ablations do have a risk (which is something you should investigate).  Good luck.  I'm sure you'll do fine.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear john,
1) Will incidence of AF increase as I age?
A: The natural history of afib is to have increasing frequency and duration of episodes as one ages.

2) Will AF incidences occur even if I quit exercising?
A: More than likely yes.

3) Is doing nothing a valid option since it has until now only been a prob when exercising?
A: Not really the best option given the increased risk of stroke with afib.


4) Is ablation an option?
A: Yes.  This is what I recommend to all my patients with lone (no structural heart disease) afib.  If you would like to be considered for ablation at the Cleveland Clinic call 1-800-223-2273 ext 49220 and ask to speak to Dianna.

5) With ablation is a pacemaker required?
A: Not with focal afib ablation.  In some cases AV node ablation is performed and then a pacemaker is needed but in most individuals with lone afib focal ablation is all that is needed.

6) What is Tambocor induced mortality rate?
A: The mortality risk is very low.  The incidence of serious arrhythmias not necessarily resulting in death is less than 1% overall and in individuals with no heart disease is even lower.


7) Cardiologist asked me to resume exercising after being on Tambocor 72 hours - Is that prudent?
A: In general we don't comment on other doctors advice.

8) Should I wait for echo results before starting Tambocor?
A: This would be up to your doctor.

9) What other options do I have?
A: Besides medications and ablation the other option would be a surgical maze procedure.