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Heart Rhythm (Expert Forum)
Atrial Fibrilation
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum cover topics that include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.
Atrial Fibrilation
by meandjj, Dec 19, 2008 10:20PM
I am a 57 year old male. 6 years ago I had a T.I.A. My Doctor in NZ put me on 5 mgs of Warfrin as I have an irregular heartbeat. When my heart becomes irregular it can stay this way for days on end. I am also on Sotalol (Beta Blocker)
I was told this would stop my heart going out of rhythm less often but it still goes out for long periods anyway. So why am I still taking this if it is not stopping the problem. There is no specific time or thing I do that sets it off. When I bend over I can feel my heart go out of rhythm but when I stand up again it rights itself again.
I am also on Coversyl for High Blood Pressure and Cartia. Is my doctor right in saying "Live with it" or do I need to see a specialist who will take my concerns seriously.
I was told this would stop my heart going out of rhythm less often but it still goes out for long periods anyway. So why am I still taking this if it is not stopping the problem. There is no specific time or thing I do that sets it off. When I bend over I can feel my heart go out of rhythm but when I stand up again it rights itself again.
I am also on Coversyl for High Blood Pressure and Cartia. Is my doctor right in saying "Live with it" or do I need to see a specialist who will take my concerns seriously.
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Dec 19, 2008 11:22PM
, Dec 19, 2008 11:22PM
It depends on how significant your symptoms are. If you can live it and it doesn't affect your quality of life, the safest approach is to live with it. When the AFFIRM trial compared an approach to control your heart rate versus trying to control your heart rhythm, there was a trend to more cardiovascular events in the heart rhythm control group. That means that there was data to suggest it was safer control your heart rate than to try and control the heart rhythm. This study was conducted in people with no symptoms or minimal symptoms.
If you have significant symptoms, it is worth seeing a specialist. If you don't have symptoms, it is reasonable to control your heart rates and live with.
If you have significant symptoms, it is worth seeing a specialist. If you don't have symptoms, it is reasonable to control your heart rates and live with.
Member Comments (1)
by stevesrav4, Jul 06, 2009 11:08AM
A related discussion, lone a-fib was started.
