Paroxysmal afib - Heart Disorders Message Board

Jennsie · 04-23-2006, 09:33 AM

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with having an episode of paroxysmal afib a couple months ago (heart rate 210). It has only happened to me once or twice in my whole life (I am 25) and my heart is otherwise perfectly healthy. EP said is was caused by a bad circuit where my upper chambers meet my pulmonary artery.

I was just wondering if anyone also has had this, had any info, etc...can the episodes be caused by something (panic attack, etc) or is it just random? Any other info or words of wisdom?

Also, I sometimes feel flutters or flip-flops in my chest and an irregular heartbeat. Could this be related to the afib, or am I just getting pvcs?

started04 · 04-26-2006, 10:12 AM

Hi Jennsie,

A dx of paroxysmal Afib indicates rhythm returns to normal without intervention (i.e. medication). There is an interruption or short circuit of the electric impulse said to be located in the atria. PAF doesn't not require medication and almost always is random.

An Afib can be triggered by the automatic nervous system (ANS) and if persistant treatment with beta blockers is recommended. The beta blocker slows the heartbeat and some BB's affect and stabilize the ANS function as well.