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Timing on return of fib after being shocked
My heart was shocked yesterday and is now beating nicely in sinus rhythm, but after researching I see that it's probable that my heart will go back into fib again. It had to be shocked because it was beating at 120bpm resting. I'm about ready to take a 4 day road trip and don't want it to go back to fib while I'm driving. How long did it take forAfib to set in after your heart was shocked?
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I don't think there is any way to definitively answer your question. Each persons medical history and body is different. I had 5 cardioversions (shocked) before mine went into normal sinus rhythm where I have been for 4 1/2 years. Fingers crossed!
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1 ReactionI would agree with @mcordeiro everyone is different. My afib returned after maze surgery and mitral valve replacement 14.5 years ago. I’m in Afib pretty much 100% of the time based upon a recent 24hr monitor and my personal readings with KardiaMobile 6L. The return is like a light switch happened from one day to the next. Got it all on various apps. I wear an Apple Watch. I drive and do everything I did before the light switch incident just a little slower and I’m tired all the time. While sitting in a recliner with my dog and typing this my heart rate is 119. My range today is 48-138. I have never been shocked, taken any medications, or seen a Cardiologist since 2012, not bragging just saying I had no issues. The way my afib affects me is different than other accounts in this support group. I hope you find a solution to your heart problem.
Have you considered the shock so your bpm is lower and more consistent?
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1 ReactionI’m open to what they have to say since I haven’t spoken to a cardiologist in 12 years. I’m sure treatments have changed and improved. Thank you for bringing it up.
How does the shock get administered?
I have afib and a cancer surviver I've been out of rhythm for almost a year. I'm just thankful for today
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1 ReactionI had a cardioversion in June of last year. I stayed in sinus rhythm for nearly 7 months. Then I went back into AFib. Like mcordeiro said, everyone is different. I know people who were back in AFib after getting home from the hospital! I have a relative who had 3 cardioversions in 24 hours! So, I feel fortunate to have had mine last 7 months. After my last episode of AFib, I did have another cardioversion. So far, I am in sinus rhythm 6 weeks. I hope it lasts for a LONG time! My EP wants me to have an ablation because he said "You can't be shocked every few months".
1gratefuldawg asked how the cardioversion is administered. Pads are placed on your chest and back. You are given a mild sedative. Then a mild shock is given through the pads (it is like what you see on TV when they try to restart someone's heart - only not as dramatic or as strong a shock). My understanding is that they will try up to three times. If normal rhythm is not established after 3 shocks, it is considered unsuccessful. Both of my cardioversions took one shock. You wake very quickly and can go home (but you need a driver). While I was dreading the experience, it was not bad. Good luck with your road trip!
Like others have noted, everyone is different. I had cardioversion and then had an Afib episode 6 weeks later that lasted about 5 hours.
Almost two years & counting in NSR after my 1st and only cardioversion….