Atria constantly quivering but heart rate within normal range!

[Glenpointe]

Hi, I am a 54 year old male, very fit and have no medical issues. Recently, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation that my upper atria are quivering at all time but my heart rate is in normal range (I wear a heart monitor and average heart rate is around 68). My hands feel like lack of blood circulation, but I have no symptoms, I exercise and run almost everyday and I can run 13.1 miles at any given time. Sometimes I feel a little discomfort on my chest, but when I lay down to sleep, I feel so relaxed. Without the EKG test, I would not know that my atria are quivering. Anyone out there have the same condition as me? My questions: 1) should I take rhythm control meds or an ablation therapy to stop the atria quivering? 2) Do I need to take anticoagulant? My Chads score is zero 3) What would happen to the atria long term If they constantly quivering like that? Thanks, GlenPointe

[2210485]

So, yes you'll need medicine.

Yes if the medicine is unsuccessful, you may need a cardioversion (electric shock)

If the afib cant be controlled then yes, you will need anti coagulants.

Ablation will be your last line of therapy.

All of these things are important to your long term health. There are some doctors who take a 'rate control' type of approach and eont do much to treat you. However in my opinion, given your age and many years ahead of you i think this could have serious consequences in the long term.

Heart block is inevitable, cardiomyopathy likely, and as has been explained theres a small chance for a stroke. You should accept whatever treatment the doctor feels is best for you.