Atrial Fibrillation

[ratfink71]

I am a 71 year old male that has recently had my first episode of Afib.  I have been prescribed and current taking Diltiazem. I have seen a cardiologist had EKG and all he did was tell me to continue the med.  When I asked him if I will have future attacks he said because of my age it is likely.

Is there a treatment that will prevent these attacks from happening again because everything I read indicates strokes follow these attacks?  I am not on any blood thinners unless the Diltiazem is one.  Also the cardiologist said not to change any habits and continue exercising, but it scares me a little and I get very apprehensive with this condition lurking in the background.

What are my chances for living a longer life?

[ratfink71]

Thanks for the tidbit, it helps my disposition a little.  This attack was something I wasn't used to so I didn't know what to expect.

[Jerry_NJ]

The incidence of AFib does go up with age, mine started at about age 60.  

As you are not in AFib 24/7 the likelyhood of it causing a stroke is rather low,  about the same as the general population.  That said, I'd suggest taking an aspirin a day with a meal, if it doesn't give you stomach problems.  Of course, it you are taking any medications that restrict the use of aspirin, then follow those instructions.  

I take Warfarin and aspirin, but I have chronic AFib, so the chance of it causing a blood clot is too high to ignore, still it is only about 3% a year for me.