HR in the 240's during A-Fib

[acjviolin]

How many people out there have had rapid atrial fib?  By rapid, I mean at least 240 bpm?  I will see my EP in a couple of monthes, and I'm compiling some questions!  I don't seem to read alot about rapid A-Fib, only cases of tachycardia in the class of SVT, for example.  Thanks!

[Brooke_38]

check out www.hrspatients.org, they have a nice explanation of an EP study. If I were you I would ask your cardiologist about it. Do you have lone afib? My first experience with afib was a ventricular rate of 250 and an atrial rate of 444, I did need to be cardioverted because the meds did not work. Luckily all my future episodes have stopped with meds.

[isukathis]

Wow, 420!!!!

I thought my 240 was fast! I was told that anything faster than 240 for a prolonged period could cause damage to the heart?

I get 1 or 2 episodes of this SVT each year and usually have it reverted with a shot of Adenosine.

I'm 43 and in great physical shape (jog 4 times a week, 8km each day)

Thanks...

[acjviolin]

Geez, you've got a story to tell!  May I ask your age?  I'm 38.  Do you exercise on a daily basis (I don't- too chicken!).  Also, could you explain to me what an ICD is as well as 2nd lead atrial wire?  Bless you,

[acjviolin]

Apparently, the a-fib diagnosis was made by my EP by studying the data when I was transported to the hospital in the ambulance- they had what they called a 12-lead monitoring me.  This stayed on me for the next 2-3 hours until I was cardioverted with Cardizem.  I spent 5 days in the hospital being monitored for the initial dosing of the Sotalol.  I have not had an EP study done (and no ablation).  What does an EP study entail?  Should I request one?  Thanks!

[debola53]

When I started having a-fib, my rate was 420-I had a rapid ventricular response which resulted in my being shocked 6 times in a row-how fun! I had a new ICD with a2nd lead atrial wire placed and now almost no a-fib. I take Sotalol 160mg twice a day.I now have just mild a-tach-to about 108 bpm. Good luck-Debi

[Brooke_38]

I was taking Sotalol 80mg Bid, Diltiazem 240mg, and a ASA 325. I was recently switched to Flecainide 75mg Bid due unbearable side effects of the Sotolol. I have had cardioversion and 3 ablations, all which have failed.

My problems are very comlicated and perplexing to my Cardiologist and EP. Unfortunately, the Flecainide is not holding off my Afib. My EP said that if this didn't work I would have to do a 3 day admission to start Tykosin.

I am very frustrated and have absolutely no energy. I just take one day at a time.

Have you had an EP study or ablation? How was your afib diagnosed?

[acjviolin]

I take Sotalol also- 80 mg twice daily along with magnesium and aspirin.  Thanks for your response, and I wish you a full and successful recovery.

[twinbee]

No, I am still taking Sotalol, Cardizem and Coumadin. I was told before the ablation that I would be kept on my meds for 3-6 months after the procedure. When I had my follow up visit the end of March the event monitor I had to wear after the ablation showed some pvc's and pac's. So to be on the safe side he decided to keep me on my meds until July.

Janis

[acjviolin]

Thanks for all of your responses!  This gives me a little more information to discuss with my EP.  Brook38 and Twinbee: what meds are you taking, if any?  Twinbee, I'm assuming you are med-free since the ablation?  Thanks-

Amy

[twinbee]

I had a rapid a-fib/a-flutter which was at first thought to be v-tach. However it turned out to be something called " 1 to 1 conduction". My EP doctor at the Univ Of Penn told me this conduction is rare. My heart rate would go up to 310. However, most of my a-fib attacks would be 187-250. In January I had an ablation done for both a-fib and a-flutter. As of today, I have not had any episodes of either.

[Brooke_38]

I  have had Afib with rapid ventricular response. My last episode showed a wide complex tach which was initially interpreted as a Vtach but when my cardiologist looked more closely, he said it was an atrial fib with abberency (the rate was 259!) Fortunatley, most of my afib attacks are at rates of 170-180.

[ricajay]

Technically atrial fibrillation with a rate as fast as 240 would be a type of SVT.  I hope you have a primary care physician trying who is working on rate control because 240 is outrageoulsy fast!