Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): How can I manage it?

Posted by fred66 @fred66, Jun 13, 2018

I have a fib.. all the time. No blocked arteries. Can't see a dr for 3 months..

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

@jfperrone

Does anyone know what the "normal" EF percentage is? At what % should it be a concern?

Jump to this post

@jfperrone hi I just noticed your question on ef and even tho I didn't have afib i did have a low ef for many years. My old heart was enlarged and I suffered with Ventricular tachycardia I had an ef as low as 5 % at the beginning and got as high as 50 % at it's best. What I was told was for my age 50 was a good number I was in my mid 50's. Clinically you are diagnosed with Congestive heart failure at 30 % or CHF for short. So I hope that helps with your question but as others have said we are just patients not doctors and can only tell you what we experienced. I will say that 60 % sounds like a good number for normal since my Heart transplant my new heart is in the 60's.
I hope you have a blessed day
Dana

REPLY

'just diagnosed with afib. I was put on eliquis and metoprolol. What has your experience been? Can metoprolol cause hair thinning? (25mg 2x day)

REPLY
@damari

'just diagnosed with afib. I was put on eliquis and metoprolol. What has your experience been? Can metoprolol cause hair thinning? (25mg 2x day)

Jump to this post

Hi @damari, you'll notice that I moved your message to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-rhythm-conditions/) to this existing discussion called "Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): How can I manage it?" https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/a-fib/

I did this to connect you with other members talking about managing a-fib and taking eliquis and metoprolol. I encourage you to browse through all the topics. Here are a few specific ones that I think are relevant to you:
- AFib questions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/good-morning-im-almost-66-years-old-with-infrequent-afib-and-on/
- Side Effects of Metoprolol? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metoprolol/
- Questions about Eliquis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/side-effects-of-eliquis/

Damari, you asked if metoprolol can cause hair thinning. Yes, beta blocker like metoprolol can cause hair thinning or loss, though not everyone experiences this. You can read more in this article:
- What Medications Can Cause Hair Loss, and What Can You Do About It? https://www.healthline.com/health/medications-that-cause-hair-loss#medications-list

How long have you been on medication for a-fib? Have you mentioned the hair loss to your cardiologist?

REPLY
@galevin

That depends upon how long or often it occurs. You should have a 24 hour monitor to see if there are any other arrythnias. Chronic AFIB can cause a clot do develop in the atrium...you need an echo. If. you are having symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations or syncope (fainting). P.S. get a second opinion. Mayo cardiology is fantastic. I travelled theer to be evaluated for a cardiomyopathy.. You are in good hands. I saw Dr Steve Omen. Be well

Jump to this post

Can second Gary on Mayo. Above & beyond other clinics I have experienced. One experience for ablation. Would not consider elsewhere for any serious issue. Enjoy and be safe -

REPLY
@damari

'just diagnosed with afib. I was put on eliquis and metoprolol. What has your experience been? Can metoprolol cause hair thinning? (25mg 2x day)

Jump to this post

Did not have a good experience with Metoprolol. Was put on Xarelto and Diltiazem following afib diagnosis. Cardioversion had me in rhythm. Getting along well until my doc changed me to Metoprolol. Thought a beta blocker would be good to keep in rhythm - which it is designed for. Light headed and In 4-5 days went into Tachycardia - 170 bpm. Immediately weaned off Meto and back to Diltiazem. Back to normal rhythm in 2 more days. Could have been just coincidental but I suspected the Metoprolol so not a fan. Don't know about hair thinning -

REPLY

would like to know side effects of multaq and other afib medications quite afraid after reading info online

REPLY
@damari

would like to know side effects of multaq and other afib medications quite afraid after reading info online

Jump to this post

Hi @damari
You will see I moved your comment to a discussion where members are talking about Afib.
There are people like @elwood, @lucky1038, @funcountess, and @sue225 that you might connect with to talk about different medications.

Damari, are you still taking Eliquis?

REPLY
@fred66

Back again! In 2 weeks gping to have cardio version (electric paddles) shock for my A Fib.. Anyone go through something like this? Also dealing with E-D with the Metropolo drugs..
Anyone have ideas .. Thanks everyone

Jump to this post

I’m so sorry that you are having all of these issues. I can relate to the cardioversions. I had AFIB for about a year. Couldn’t have a cardioversion for several months because of a blood clot on my heart. Was put on Eliquis & the clot dissolved. Had several cardioversions, but they all failed. Had the heart ablation about a month ago. It went well & heart stayed in rhythm for about 1 1/2 days then went back into AFIB. Starting taking 200 mg of Amiodarone twice daily, along with 5 mg Eliquis twice a day for 21 days. Went back about a month ago for cardioversion. This time it was successful & ive been doing well since. I’m on 200 mg Amiodarone once. A day and a 5 mg Eliquis twice a day. I’m 69.
I pray 🙏your next cardioversion works for you, but if does not, don’t give up. God bless.

REPLY
@rubywitch67

I've just been diagnosed with AFIB and I'm terrified. I joined the Connect group but when I finally find my way to the AFIB discussion group, there doesn't seem to be a place for me to post. I REALLY NEED SOME SUPPORT. Thank you

Jump to this post

What kind of symptoms are you having?

REPLY
@damari

'just diagnosed with afib. I was put on eliquis and metoprolol. What has your experience been? Can metoprolol cause hair thinning? (25mg 2x day)

Jump to this post

I take Eliquis, but couldn’t take Metoptolol. I had bad side effects with memory. Currently had an ablation. Am currently on Amiodarone 200 mg & heart is in rhythm & I am doing well.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.