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What long term effects if afib left untreated
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Sep 13 1:11pm | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
I see the lengthy response from another patient so I won't add to that. My question is why you have these very reasonable questions that have not been answered by your cardiologist when you were diagnosed? How old are you; are you looking at the next 30 years like some people or just the next 5-10 like me? What quality of life do you expect; do you mind the "occasional A-fib episodes" or do they disrupt your life or cause anxiety? I have heard of people who are in A-fib almost all the time and claim "it doesn't bother them" or some of us who hate living with the sensation and the corresponding feelings of weakness, breathlessness and discomfort. My first reaction was to tell you that you need to have a in depth conversation with the cardiologist who treats you and if he/she doesn't give you clear answers, reasonable options, and informed risks, then you need a new doctor. As a retired nurse, I am shocked at how many patients don't ask or are afraid to ask what this diagnosis really means and what drugs do over time and what options are available to them. Just saying! Good luck.
Replies to "I see the lengthy response from another patient so I won't add to that. My question..."
@sjm46 Your post reads like I wrote it. I too wonder why someone asks a question here that should be answered by their health care providers. At this point in time I suffer from intermitent episodes of Afib that are usually brought on by execise of some kind. I get fatigued and somewhat breathless. It makes me more made than anything else that I cannot do the things around my place that need to be done without discomfort. I had a PFA last year and was AFib free for about 8 months. Then I had two episodes of RVR that have created the need to go back on 180mg of Diltiazem along with Eliquis have been on without a break since my first episode of Afib. I am in constant contact with my electrophysiologist team at UC Health in Aurora, CO and will probably have another PFA in the next 30 t0 60 days. Since I am about to turn 87 like you I am looking at the next 5 to 10 years. I want to do what I need to do without having to sit down and rest every 10 minutes.
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@sjm46 In today's world many think of getting responses from social media as the equivalent of direct medical advice. Just read any posts in social media groups and it's loaded with advice and photos and links and personal experiences.
That horse left the barn many years ago and is definitely not coming back home.