Diagnosed last week with AFIB

At the very least you should be on a DOAC (Direct Oral Anti-coagulant) because the risk of stroke during AF is about four times what it is in the normal population. The normal population's risk, from person to person, is very low, so four times that becomes something of a concern....for most of us in AF.

You may be placed on metoprolol tartrate, a fast-acting heart rate medicine. It slows the heart beats somewhat, but mostly helps to keep the rate during AF down from well above 100...ideally. Metoprolol also makes each beat a bit weaker, so this tends to help with those who are borderline hypertensive...a bonus.

If your AF becomes more persistent, lasts longer, makes you feel terrible or just anxious, you will be asked to consider taking an anti-arrhythmic drug like Sotolol, Multaq, Flecainide, or propafenone. Sometimes you'll go on diltiazem because it has a double-acting process of both rate control and anti-arrhythmia. Depends on a number of factors and what the prescribing authority feels is right for your case.

What should you do? Ask your cardiologist about those medications, or if your GP can prescribe them, if he/she'll consider placing you on at least the anti-coagulant. That's a must.

It is said that AF begets AF. So, it's always best to nip it, or at least control it, early and for as long as possible. There are undesired changes to the heart when AF goes unchecked. But pretty much nobody dies from AF. They may die from subsequent conditions, from problems that come when AF is not controlled. But AF, itself, is not the killer. You can live with it for a long time, maybe just not very pleasantly.

@starlight3 I would think the priority might be to find out how often and for how long you are in afib. Your primary care doctor can order a monitor (they now come as a "patch monitor" that is easy to wear). You can also purchase a Kardia to take your own EKG, or a Smartwatch.

If your afib is frequent, lasts awhile (7 -24 hours, opinions vary on this) or even continuous, you definitely need meds- and before you leave for 5 months. Do you have access to medical care in the UK?

If you are on a cancellation list, I find that calling at 10am will often get an appointment. Offices tend to give the appointments to those who call. Your primary care doctor might be able to start you on medication and also make an urgent referral. That's a thing- and gets appointments more quickly.

Primary care docs can prescribe metoprolol and even an anticoagulant but I imagine most are uncomfortable dealing with a new case of afib without you seeing a cardiologist. Have you tried a cardiologist outside of Mayo? You can see someone else and still stay on the waiting list at Mayo. But call at 10am!

Thank you so much fr your helpful information. I have ordered a Kardia and I have spoken to my primary care doctor through the Mayo portal. He has suggested taking aspirin everyday and would be reluctant to do anything else. My ECG was ordered through the sleep centre and so they have to coordinate my appointment with the cardiology department. That’s how things are done now at the Mayo. Whoever orders your ECG is responsible for coordinating your appointment. I have no idea how often or how long I am in AFIB as I have no symptoms. Now and again I get a feeling like a little electric shock which is almost over before it begins. Don’t know if this is related. I do have access to healthcare in the U.K. but of course would prefer to be treated here before I go as I have been a patient at the Mayo for over 17 years and they know my full history. I have been calling the sleep centre everyday at 8.00am and 3.00pm with no luck. I will try 10.00am and see if I do better. Thank you again. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer me!

Thank you so much for the information. My wife has AFIB and takes Eliquis, Flecainide and Diltiazem . Like you I feel I should be taking something like Eliquis and I’m not happy at my doctors suggestion of aspirin everyday. I will call on Monday and ask about Eliquis. I just don’t feel good about being left like this without some kind of medication.
Thank you again!

@starlight3 my cardiologists tell me that aspirin is no longer recommended, though the ER still told me to take it!

I hope your PCP can order a patch monitor so you can at least know what you are dealing with.

I have paroxysmal, infrequent afib that lasts a few hours and am not on meds as yet though taking care to keep evaluating. I always feel it: my pulse goes up to 190's. It sounds like yours may be more frequent since you cannot feel it. Good luck. Hope you get an appointment!

I def would not leave USA 🇺🇸 w/o seeing any good EP Cardiologist ( stay in Mayo waitlist if you want ).
A-Fib is serious as you are at much higher risk of stroke ( and other serious complications). My sister was diagnosed in mid 50’s .
In all the meds for it . Then eventually had to get the ablation done . That helped a lot .
She still has her A fib meds but only half as many now .
Best wishes and n finding someone to help before you travel 🧭 for so long .

I was wondering about aspirin. I have read that it is not a good idea. Did you take it anyway?

I am going to call Mayo on Monday and try to get a referral outside of them. Apparently they will do that. I will still stay on their waitlist. Thank you for taking time to reply to my message. Just wish I knew a good cardiologist in my area!

I did not take aspirin, no 🙂

I think you are better off with any cardiologist than no cardiologist. I think you need a monitor to see how frequent and how long your afib is. They can discuss your risk factors which is a pretty standard discussion (CHADS score) including weight, alcohol, blood pressure, diabetes, gender, sleep apnea (Do you have that?) etc. And prescribe whatever might be needed. Keep us posted!

I will feel much better when I have an appointment with a cardiologist. Right now I have a good idea of what is needed but I am so frustrated by the lack of empathy and response from my doctor and the cardiology department. I am well aware of the implications of no treatment and that makes it all the more frustrating. I will keep you posted and will hope for the best.