A-Fib?

[FoolsGold]

My atrial fibrillation was first detected via an EKG about a decade ago and I have been in atrial fibrillation for approximately the last three years, most of it without any treatment for the condition whatsoever.

I now take furosemide (strong diuretic) for it and yet it seems to be persisting. Since I also have Obstructive Sleep Apnea I would not be too surprized at having atrial fibrillation as well.

[Pika]

Can the holter monitor pick up anxiety kind of palpitation?

Pika.

[timberman]

My wife, 54, is currently in her third day of hospitalization for A Fib. Her conditioned was triggered by the prescription Prednisone, (for an allergy).

She was in denial for a week with A Fib, so they had to thin her blood and check for clots prior to shock. The cardiologist told me that A Fib is normally NOT life threatening, however, as the upper chambers "flutter", the blood can pool, and in some cases a clot will form, pass to the brain and result in a stroke.

I assume everyone diagnosed with A Fib is on Coumadin (warfarin).

My question for those who have constant A Fib is:
How does A Fib affect daily life in general. Can you still engage in sports? Travel?
Her doctor is in high demand and lacks time for casual chat. These boards are a God Send!

[penk]

It's important to know if it's atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter or just runs of premature atrial contractions (PAC'S) I primarily have PAC's but they have caught the atrial fibrillation after hours of having PAC'S on a monitor. Get a diagnosis and keep talking and asking questions even though the doctor has turned and is walking out the door. Ask specifically about sports and travel. With Coumadin, any sport that could lead to a cut would be out but a lot of sports would be ok, like golf or tennis. As long as the PT measurement is ok travel should be fine. A medic alert bracelet should indicate the heart condition and Coumadin usage. Again, just an opinion.

Penk's hubby.

[Pika]

I'm not on any med or blood thinner. Dr not worry about it and he never suggested a blood thinner. (Because I'm not over 55 years old?)

Pika.