PAC PVC afib. Svt. Why take meds?

[susan95062]

Question.  I have read a lot on here that all these symptoms that we have are benign and anxiety related. Which I believe.  For me I had no idea I had any of these until I passed out twice just sitting in a chair and fell out to the floor.   So after many test I am on flecanide and toprol.  I take them everyday but I wonder why?if there not going to harm you why take meds?   Now the a fib I had a couple weeks ago did scare me. But can it happen again?   Just wondering anyone elses take on it.  I know this is a question for my doc and I will ask him.  Any thoughts?

[marie50]

I was first diagnosed with afib about a year ago and you are right - that first episode can be really frightening. After that first episode I went through the usual cardiac work-up and was diagnosed with lone afib (afib in the absence of other heart problems). I was immediately placed on Cardizem and an aspirin a day (to prevent blood clotting that could possibly occur during a prolonged afib epsiode). I wasn't prepared to take medication for the rest of my life based on one episode so I stopped the medication (with my doctor's knowledge) to see how I'd do without it. I eliminated things (alcohol, caffeine) that I knew made my heart irritable and started taking some nutritional supplements as well as improving my diet. My second episode came 8 months later but was very brief. There have been a few more short episodes but I still feel comfortable going with no medication other than an aspirin a day. You need to find out as much info as you can from your doctor about the cause of your arrhythmias and what real risk they present to you. Most doctors downplay the possible serious side effects of medications they prescribe so you have to do the research yourself to get that info. Then weigh the risks/benefits of your medications. There are some good afib support sites on the internet that can help you sort it out.

[Bromley]

Hi Susan.  I am really sorry to hear about your afib and svt. I think some of these things can harm you and others will not harm you.  Yes, yes, your doctor should be able to help you understand which is which. Or you may find from your own research that PVC's and PAC's are usually harmless in the context of a normal heart.  The "in the context of a normal heart" stipulation, though is an important one.  As I understand it, the assumption would be that you do not have any blockages or diseases that would pre-dispose you to other more serious conditions. Medical tests can help to ascertain whether you have any of these conditions.

Regarding afib, I dont believe I have heard anyone say that afib is especially harmless, although you can take some solace in the fact that there are treatments (medications and/or ablation) out there for it.

kind regards, Bromley.