Post cardioversion anxiety

It wasn't the cardioversion. It was what you endured beforehand that was novel and seemingly dangerous, and it was that experience that has left you distressed. Your subconscious is thinking, 'Okay, the cardioversion worked, and I'm doing better..............................but.........................I DID go into a tachy-arrhythmia in the first place, and I COULD go into it again!! (GULP!).'

You may, you may not. Many do, but it might take months or years before it happens again. It might be next week. Unfortunately, once arrhythmias crop up the first time, there's a good chance it will happen again. But, you might get cardioverted and be fine for another two-6 years. Who knows? Or it might be a one-off for you.

It takes time to come down off a stress peak. Some take a very long time, and some people might need to talk to a counselor or a psychotherapist and get some EMDR or CBT training techniques to help with that. Keep an open mind, including that you might be out of the woods already....or that you may have this happen again.

You aren't alone. The prevalence of cardiac arrythmias seems to be rising, apparently due to an aging population bulge just getting into its 70's and older. Then again, many younger people are getting arrhythmias. It's just a fact, even if it's a bit of a puzzle.

Unless something unique about the cardioversion was awful or frightening, and your own descriptions seems to suggest that it's not the case, you should acknowledge the difficult, and perhaps to-be-repeated experience that came before it. That is my suggestion, and I'm NOT a psychotherapist or a physician.

My experience is a bit different but I have been going through a similar anxiety. I had/have cardiac sarcoidosis which caused v-tach from all the heart scarring. Four trips to the Cardiac ICU, a CRT-D and an ablation in a year. I am doing much better, (no v-tach) in 2 months. It took me time to trust the medications, to trust in the CRT-D that if something happens it can get me out of it. I have a very understanding spouse that I can always talk with, which helps. I still get nervous when I feel a little twinge but not as bad as a while back. Sorry for the long post but I have found the longer I am “normal” the less the anxiety and talking about it helps a lot

I have had three cardio versions over the past 2 -3 years. They were effective for a period of months each time varying from 6 months to almost 9 months. I understood in advance that these situations can vary. No down side during these times but very effective overall . The 4th one was a few weeks ago but that failed so I am now exploring alternatives with my cardiologist.

However after the first one I was told to immediately avoid alcohol, chocolate and caffeine for 30 days until the first medical follow-up. I was also advised to eliminate these going forward. I did what was requested and have stayed on that track. Not easy at first by any means and decaffeinated drinks aside from juices and water are very hard to find.

I agree that talking about it helps! In the beginning I felt like I was the only one who ever had this A-fib thing! Then I heard so many people have that issue, but many of them were pretty "ho hum" about it while I see it as a big deal--it can cause permanent damage to your heart with scarring and stretching of the atria. I wanted "out" of the arrhythmia ASAP! I have a hope that I can stay out of trouble if I am careful of the triggers, but age is the only thing I can't change! I wish you good luck; so glad you have a good cardiac team because that is so important!

I have heard the same statistics; cardioversion can be a one-and-done, but most likely the A-fib can reoccur. I also have made all the lifestyle changes--lost 6 pounds (mostly out of worry! 🙁 and drink only 1/2 and 1/2 coffee (half decaf, half regular) and I found some non-alcoholic wine at the store so my husband doesn't lose his Happy Hour buddy! No chocolate. Sleep only on Rt side or on my stomach--you can look up how your sleep position can trigger A fib. I go to the gym for 1.5 hours every day and I admit I feel the best there! I hope you keep looking for a more permanent solution. I see certain teaching hospitals in DC and Texas are working on new ablation techniques with encouraging results. I feel like you; I am wanting to stay in rhythm as long as possible. Good luck!

I first was diagnosed with afib in 2010. I tried meds but no go so I had the ablation. That procedure kept my afib at bay for 14 yrs. Last year I had a Watchman implant, that triggered the afib again. Cardiologist did another ablation and I returned to normal sinus rhythm. A week later I was back in afib. Had a cardioversion last week and heart is doing fine. As you can see, time will vary and there are no guarantees. I am fortunate in that I can feel if my heart goes back to afib.
Hope you can relax soon re ablation.
Blessings to you and your family.

Thank you for your story! It is encouraging and positive. If I could stay out of A-fib for 14 years I would be too old to care! 🙂 Seriously, I just wondered why the doc recommended the Watchman when you were okay before they put it in? Did you have side effects from the blood thinner? That concerns me too. How thin is thin enough for someone who is out of A-fib for a long period of time? Anyway, I so appreciate your feedback. I am trying to be hopeful and every day with a NSR is a good day so far!

I was given the option of the Watchman bc I've had several concussions in
the past few years due to falls. He wanted to ensure that I wouldn't have a
stroke. Turns out the dizziness and falls were due to my CHF and afib. I am
so blessed to have such an excellent diagnostic doctor.