Video Q&A about Atrial Fibrillation

My AV Node was ablated in 2012 and a Pacemaker/Defibrillator put in. I have been told, by my electrophysiologist, that I have been in continuous aFib since I had a life-threatening GI bleed in September of 2017. My question is: “How bad will continuous aFib affect my heart and is there anything else that can be done to slow, or stop, the aFib? Various meds, the ICD, nor cardioversions have not worked. I am 69 years old and have been diagnosed with CHF.

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I'd like to invite you for a video Q&A about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) today, Thursday, Sept. 27 at 11:30a.m. CT. Cardiologists Christopher McLeod and K.L. Venkatachalam will discuss symptoms, causes, risk factors, and more.
Simply click View & Reply in the email notification for details and to sign-up.

Dr. McLeod and Dr. Venkatachalam will answer questions live. Post your questions below, before and during the broadcast.
You can participate in the Video Q&A on Connect by returning to this page; the video will be shown at the top of the page.

Hello from México. So glad to be part of this

I am male , age 68, discovered I had LAF in 2012, did cardioversion immediately, was in sinus rhythm for 9 mths, AF returned. I was completely asymptomatic for 5 yrs until recently .I now have daily dizziness, fatigue n weakness in upper legs...i never had palpitations or shortness of breath. I am not diabetic, no hypertension, non smoker, do not consume alcohol, exercise regularly. I do have CAD, with high calcium score (90%). Present medication... diltiazem 100SR, Digoxin .625mcg, cardriprin 100 and crestor 5mg. I am prepared to undergo Ablation but My EP is reluctant because of enlarged left atrial..5.2cm..rate my success at 50% and wants me to take medication for life. I find the daily dizziness n general fatigue troubling, affect my ability to do tasks . I intend to find another EP to perform the ablation.
1st question What are my chances of success
2nd . Is mini maze a better option for someone who has not gone through ablation
3rd.... Continue with medication n hope for discovery of new treatment procedures
Thk you

Thank you for watching today’s Q&A. The video will be archived on this page for future viewing.
You may also be interested in joining other members who are talking about atrial fibrillation an heart rhythm disorders.

Ask your questions, share your story, connect and find support here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-rhythm-conditions/
See upcoming and past Q&As here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinars

I am from Chile, so sorry for my english. Having a holster for arrythmia twice a year, is enough to know how arrythnia is developing?

@gilda Welcome to this wonderful group of people You can go to https:// connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-rhythm-conditions/ to learn more about this . Also the group you may want to go to is https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webniars there are others on here that hopefully will join in this conversation and you can ask questions.

aortic valve replacement here 2 weeks ago. developed A-fib (approx.75% of the time). Follow up visit with cardiologist 3 days ago: "A-fib has never been documented to affect life expectancy." Not sure how that can be, but there ya go. Just another tidbit of info for you. Good luck!

Here is Dr. Venkat's reply: For most arrhythmias, twice yearly checkups are sufficient. This may include clinic visits, electrocardiograms and bloodwork. Depending on the arrhythmias, symptoms and specific medications, more frequent checks are sometimes required.

Is there a link to see the recorded video? I missed it and would be interested in it. Thank you.