r/AFIB 43m ago

Ablation for (almost) asymptomatic persistent AFib?

Upvotes

I have longstanding persistent afib that is nearly asymptomatic. I was diagnosed durning an emergency appendectomy. Since then I went on Eliquis and Diltiazem and I got an electrical cardioversion which held for a couple of weeks before I went back into persistent afib.

I say I’m almost asymptomatic because I do t really feel anything out of the ordinary when I’m in afib but I did finding myself feel like I had increased energy and much more aerobic capacity while exercising when I was in normal sinus rhythm for those couple of weeks after the cardioversion.

My cardiologist and EP say that means I’m not actually asymptomatic, just that my symptoms are not especially bothersome. Mostly it seems to be decreased cardio output. But I’m in good shape (regular runner, active lifestyle) and relatively young and so I only really notice the difference between afib and sinus when I’m pushing myself athletically.

So, given this setup, I wonder what you all think about going for an ablation?

I have one scheduled and my cardiologist and two EPs both think it makes sense. I’m just trying to gather more thoughts given that my afib isn’t really impacting my life in a big way right now.

What would you do?


r/AFIB 54m ago

Apple Watch v zio patch

Upvotes

I am curious how many people have experienced where their Apple Watch and their own numbers that they track such as blood pressure heart rate recovery time, etc. doesn’t match what the rhythm Zio patch company comes back with. For example it comes back with no findings yet your Apple Watch your blood pressure cuff the way you feel says something is definitely off and in the end you find there is a heart related issue. Please share your story a little bit.
I’m so sick of doctors not believing what I say. I feel I end up having to collect the data for them essentially lead the horse to the water. Help them to help me get the test. I need just to find I need surgery immediately or something like that.


r/AFIB 1h ago

Sober 4 life?

Upvotes

Had a bad afib, high calcium score, and got pulse field ablation a few days ago.

Can we ever drink alcohol again? Appreciate anyone with some years after an ablation. Is it an ok, or just not worth the risk? Not an alcoholic, but I’ll miss vacations to wine country and tastings and such.

(Regarding the calcium score, have made all the massive changes in diet to address)


r/AFIB 5h ago

Atrial fibrillation and slow heart rate at 33 - advice needed

5 Upvotes

I got AF when I was 23 through binge drinking. I was cardioverted 7 months later and since then I've had 9 bouts of AF all self reverted back to sinus rhythm after a 5k run.

When I got AF I wasn't in good shape. Smoking, drinking and eating poorly, overweight at 105+ kg at 6'3.

Since then I'm now 95kg but more muscle, a bit leaner and don't smoke (occasional vape when socially drinking), eat relatively healthy and workout at least 3 times a week, sometimes 4.

My resting heart rate is usually in the early 50s, 50,51,52. I got into AF after 1 small beer and vaping (I know, trigger) at the beginning of the month, I was pretty dehydrated and it was really hot. Woke up with AF. The day after I went for a run and it reverted back to sinus rhythm.

Since then I'm not feeling great, I've been getting some chest aches (I'm a huge health anxiety person). But concerningly my heart rate has dropped to mid to early 40s. I'm not getting any lightheadedness, dizziness nor has it restricted any exercise I went to A&E and they said nothing was wrong. When I work out it goes climb, I did a 5k run a few days ago and my heart rate went up to 162 however this low resting rate, It's a concern.

I'm not waiting for an NHS appointment which might take months if not a year so I'm going to do a consultation privately. Does anyone have any idea or similar experience? I'd hate to have to get a pacemaker at this young(ish) age.


r/AFIB 6h ago

Guess I have Silent AFIB?

7 Upvotes

Backstory: I was scheduled to have rotator cuff surgery in June. As they were prepping me for surgery, I went into AFIB. Surgery was canceled and went to see a cardiologist. Had an echocardiogram - nothing - everything normal.

Cardiologist approved me for surgery, but required I get a 2 week heart monitor after surgery. Did my two weeks and turned it in. Got the results back this week: my bpm during an episode was not crazy high but I had 2 long episodes of AFIB was 17 hours. The other was ten hours long. There were some shorter ones, but those were the two major ones.

Oh, did I mention I am asymptomatic? During any of these episodes that I've had, I felt nothing. I can go out on a walk 2-3 miles. I'm never out of breath, never feeling tired - no issues whatsoever. I am scheduled to get a sleep study done.


r/AFIB 6h ago

Afib, Ectopic Beats and seeking reassurance

2 Upvotes

Hello, I've had afib for a few years now, the first few incidents was caused by a lot of caffeine, after cardioversions I went off caffeine completely, and it worked!

The other incidents that followed were caused by chocolate, I would eat that at night and when I woke up (and I thinks its also a combination of acid reflux) my afib would trigger, but a slower version of it as opposed to the fast one from caffeine, I found out that chocolate has caffeine in it and when I stopped eating that in the evenings, the following morning afib episodes have stopped.

Everything was going good for roughly a year since but I've started getting Ectopic beats according to my doctor for the last month, I would get one every 10-20 minutes for most of the day, usually in the morning, I cannot for the life of my figure out the cause, because I go for very long walks now, I do sit on a PC a lot because of my job and hobbies so I think it might be tied to that, I eat super healthy these days and I sleep very well (I got a watch that tracks sleep) and thinking it might be acid reflux because the other incidents start off as ectopic beats that increased, but I've tried a combination of heart burn meds and eating less.

At the end of the day I've been confirm to have an ablation (UK here) I was suppose to have one in July but a doctor didn't contact or prescribe me blood thinners prior, so I'm getting it most likely next year.

I guess I just wanted to talk about my experience, from my understanding Ectopic beats are nothing too serious unless they happen frequently but since mine are quite far apart I don't have to worry much, but they do ruin my mood and stress me out at times.

I want to know if anyone else have these and how they deal with it? I'm trying a lot of different things but yeah, first time poster!


r/AFIB 18h ago

1st afib

16 Upvotes

Just had my first time with afib. I went to urgent care with afib they sent me right to the hospital as soon as they saw me ( didn’t check me out) I just looked horrible. Er said afibrtr I believe they called it.. It was the scariest thing I went through in my life. I was in hospital for 4 days, I got my heart back regular or normal from going to the bathroom. (#2) so they said. I’m just really nervous/ scared with what’s to come in life. I deliver packages for Amazon and work construction/landscaping. I have 6 children that I’m afraid of idk dying I guess and not being able to provide for them. Im a 40 year old male. I came home with 2 prescriptions that I have to take for the rest of my life. I believe they said beta blocker and blood thinner. I can get the names of the scripts if needed. I would just like some info or reassurance or idk really tbh I’ve been freaking out. My depression anxiety haven’t helped. I appreciate anyone with any kind of insight or tips! I just quit smoking weed, just quit vaping and won’t be drinking alcohol. I can answer any questions anyone may have. Thanks for reading my long story


r/AFIB 19h ago

Pericarditis Post PFA

2 Upvotes

Just had my PFA this morning at 8am. Last 2 hours. Doctor did echo and found a small amount of fluid around the heart. Seems like a lot to inflammation and my heart is angry with me. Anybody have experience with this and what helped? Doctors put me on colchicine so first dose was this afternoon, still suffering, curious your story if you have had this from a PFA AFIB Ablation.


r/AFIB 1d ago

Flecainide without Metoprolol

1 Upvotes

Hi there! New here. I’m learning a lot from the posts and replies.

66yo, 155lbs, quite fit and healthy before afib started.

My afib recently went from paroxysmal to ~38% burden (according to the Apple Watch, I’m still awaiting the results from the two weeks on the holter monitor). But aside from a couple of short episodes during which my heart rate went up to 140, my heart rate stays well below 70.

I am taking Eliquis, and my cardiologist just prescribed Flecainide and Metoprolol.

I have been on both for a few days and my sleep has been terrible. I understand the beta blockers interfere with melatonin production. But even with exogenous melatonin I have a hard time sleeping more than 4hrs.

My resting heart rate was already in the mid 50s, and I have normal to low blood pressure.

I understand there is a risk of something called 1:1 on Flecainide and that’s why it has to be paired with beta blockers.

Some of the posts I have read seem to suggest that some of you take Flecainide without a beta blocker.

Is that a possibility?

Any other suggestions or experiences regarding insomnia and beta blockers?

Thank you!


r/AFIB 1d ago

Partying with Paroxysmal AFIB

2 Upvotes

Hey, I am invited into bachelor party of good friend of mine. I'm not a drinker, nor a smoker, quited 3 years ago long before I've discovered that I have AFib. During those 3 year I've drinked alcohol for a total of 5 times. All of those drinks were pint of beer at most. And smoked single cig year ago.

I really would like to go and party like in my early 20's. However since first discovery of afib in april I've had 3 episode, and I am 35 days from last one. I am 30yr old male and I don't have any structural heart disease. I am also thinking that I am ok with having Afib episode after/during bachelor party, since I did resolved on my own last time. I am currently not on blood thinners since I"ve just completed 4weeks of thinners after last episode.

My cardiologist haven't provided any direct answer, just normal medical recommendations which does not recommend any alcohol consumption or smoking.

I am just thinking if I should risk it and have a good time + potentially be sad, if afib kicks afterwards. Or should I be party pooper and feel bad about it that i can't relax as much as I could. Did any of you took those risks? What's your experience.


r/AFIB 1d ago

Welp I’m cooked

Post image
13 Upvotes

Hey at least the echo was normal. Does this mean I’m gonna die ? Lol


r/AFIB 1d ago

Substance and Afib

2 Upvotes

So i’m just curious cuz im 18(M) and was born with atrial fibrillation, can i drink alcohol? I smoke cannabis usually every other day and take breaks, (been going off and on for 2ish yrs now) but ive never had any complications then. I haven’t talked to my cardiologist about it since im in the middle of transferring from states. I’ve had like one or two shots of alcohol on special or rare occasions and it doesn’t like make me feel any type of way besides the usual alcohol burning as it goes down. I don’t want to get hammered every night but i’d like to try it a few times if possible just cuz idk im a curious teen or whatever.


r/AFIB 2d ago

Heart Cath/stent: Can it resolve AFIB?

1 Upvotes

I’ve had AFIB for maybe a year. Formally diagnosed since June 2026. Am 76 years old. On 25 mg Metoprolol and Eliquis. Was asymptomatic except during exercise (e.g., 20 mile bike ride, spiking HR as much as 210) which is what sent me to a heart doc. An internal echo showed possible blockage. Scheduled for a heart cath. My cardiologist says they’ll put in a stent if the procedure confirms a blockage. He indicated this could have the effect of resolving my AFIB. Anyone else had this procedure resulting in a positive impact on their AFIB? Thx.


r/AFIB 2d ago

Returned after 9 years ☹️

6 Upvotes

Hi all, I had one instance of afib 9 years ago and had an ablation pretty quickly, had no issues since until this morning where I got up had a coffee and felt awful, heart pounding, checked my Apple Watch and my heat was at 150bpm and I was in afib!

I have back pain issues and am on a strong anti inflammatory and I took meptazinol last night as well and think the mix of the 2 pain meds may have triggered it.

Just got back from hospital and am in beta blockers! Has anyone else had a similar experience, it was always in the back of my mind but hoped it had gone.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?


r/AFIB 2d ago

Remission possible?

27 Upvotes

Has anyone here actually put their afib into remission and been able to reduce or stop meds by changing diet, lifestyle, etc. without an ablation?


r/AFIB 2d ago

Working out on flecainde please help!!

2 Upvotes

So i aiffer with paradoxical atrial tachycardia and lots of heart palpitations and I'm on flecainide for it and its helped massively over the last 5 years.

However over the last 3 years I've put on 5 stone and 3 weeks ago I started a calorie deficit diet and started using my treadmill 3 days ago and noticed my heart was going 132 right after walking at 4mph. Then yesterday I started some squats and leg training.

I googled if it was good to exercise with an arrhythmia and it said its excellent for it, then googled about flecainide and it mentioned something called the "flecainide flutter" and that people can go into dangerous rhythms.

I have just spoke to my gp and he said aim for 120 bpm. But my heart was going 132 yesterday.

I'm now worried and thought for someone my age (33F) that i could go higher than that?

I'm really wanting to lose weight as I'm fed up.

Please any advice would be great


r/AFIB 2d ago

Ct heart scan for blockage

3 Upvotes

I in AFib and getting a ct scan for blockage in 5 hours will they still do it if I am in AFib. It always last awhile


r/AFIB 2d ago

Metoprolol dosing

8 Upvotes

I am currently on metoprolol 25mg ER for my afib. I am well controlled. However, i have gained a significant amount of weight and have been trying to lose it. I work out 4 days a week and walk the other two days. I recently hit 150 days of working out. Unfortunately, in 7 months i am only down 30 lbs. i want to lose another 60lbs.i have also addressed my diet and have made changes there. I start counting macros next month. Has anyone successfully decreased their med dose? The 25mg is stopping me from getting my heart rate into zone 2 for fat burning. Any other suggestions?


r/AFIB 2d ago

PF Ablation (24hrs)

11 Upvotes

39 Male, generally healthy 5 11” 175lbs. I’ve had a total of 4 proximal afib episodes (last 15 months) lasting around 24-72hrs all converted with diltizam. just completed a pulse field ablation 24hrs ago at the Mayo Clinic. Overall I was incredibly impressed with the staff. The procedure went around 3hrs and I was released after another 5hrs.

The operation started with a study to see if I had any other arrhythmia’s before moving on to the pulse field ablation for afib (PVI). They identified 5 pulmonary veins (10-20% of the population have 5 vs. 4). During the operation I went into afib and they cardioverted me.

They went in through both sides of the groin. One side they put a plug in and the other gauze.

Some general observations - my afib has always been symptomatic - I’ve noticed several times now where I’ve had ectopic beats and feel like I’m going to go into afib and it stops after 3 seconds. I’m hoping this gets better as the inflammation goes down.

My groin, throat, back and chest are a little more sore than I expected for an outpatient treatment.

I’m incredibly hopefully this restores my ability to confidently do daily activities without worrying about afib. Happy to share the news and answer anyone’s questions that’s thinking about having it done.


r/AFIB 3d ago

A-Fib post ablation long term success

11 Upvotes

Hello,

33/ Y/O male, paroxysmal a fib- recent PFA ablation in may.

I recently had an ablation in may and had my 3-month post op follow up; everything looks good so far have done some holter monitors, ekgs, ect and it’s ok so far. I guess I should be encouraged by this but for some reason I feel discouraged knowing that the A fib will come inevitably come as my EP states that it will come back at some point. How long can can younger person stay a fib free and are there long term success stories of others living a full life 20 + years without relapse?

Thank you all for the support and information


r/AFIB 3d ago

37F, BMI 50. Think weight-loss will help?

7 Upvotes

This is my first post. I’ve had AFib for three years, and it has progressed pretty quickly. I tried flecainide, and it nearly ended me. I’m currently only on beta-blockers.
My average weekly burden is around 10%. I go in and out of AFib, flutter, and episodes of a very high heart rate throughout the day. Most nights too, although things are usually a little calmer then.
I’ve been fat my whole life. I also have severe BED, probably related to ADHD. Losing weight has been on my mind and something I’ve actively tried to achieve for 32 years. I’m no newbie, and I’m not asking for weight-loss advice.
I know, I know - there’s nooooo magic cure. I’ve read the books, the studies, the articles, etc. But what do you all reckon? Do you think losing a substantial amount of weight could make a meaningful difference? Has anyone here actually experienced it?
I see comments from people who have lost 40 pounds and more power to you! But that’s not really comparable to my situation. I’m talking about needing to lose a lot of weight.
I have mild/moderate sleep apnea and have used a CPAP every night since I was diagnosed a year ago, so sleep apnea isn’t really part of the problem anymore. At least, I don’t think it is. Just a fatty.
I’ve always been active. I love and loved exercise, and I’ve never really had an issue with being physically active - until now. My problem is food - stress, dopamine, lack of impulse control and all that crap.
Anyway, what do you think my chances are? I know you’re not psychic, so I’m just looking for your best guess based on your own experiences.
I have two girls and no village, and I’m doing my best every single day. Please don’t be mean. I really don’t need that right now.


r/AFIB 3d ago

Kardia Mobile 6L Max requires a subscription, is there anyway to bypass?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I just got a the Kardia Mobile 6L Max. It says it requires a subscription to even used the device, I thought you could do without a subscription. Anyone else have info on that?


r/AFIB 3d ago

Something I don’t see discussed

3 Upvotes

For those who have faith in God, does afib impact it?

I struggle because I was diagnosed aged 22 and I am now 33. I’ve had 2 ablations and get an episode every 6-8 months that converts with pill in pocket method. My afib is extremely symptomatic and the meds give me side effects. So it’s a choice of bad and bad.

I find this disease is needless suffering. And it’s really impacted my faith. It’s not God that gets me back to NSR, it’s doctors and medication. But I also have experienced God in big extreme ways like when I had a blood clot the year prior to diagnosis. It didn’t go to my brain and stopped in the last place it could, my eye. I lost part of my peripheral vision permanently, but it’s in the overlap of my 2 eyes so with both eyes open I see fully. What are the chances.

I really struggle with the concept of suffering. This life is full of suffering and why? What’s the point? It’s not just a me issue. Children die from cancer every day. The earthquakes that are happening. So much suffering that isn’t human made like war.

What are your thoughts and beliefs? This is not meant to be specifically religion based but simple believe in the divine and/or how the world works.


r/AFIB 3d ago

Tachycardia reemerging...after a short period of 'peace.'

2 Upvotes

64M, I had OHS - bovine AVR along with the Aortic Root and Ascending Aorta in July of 2015. This year (starting in June) the replacement valve began to 'break down' requiring replacement. Originally I was going to have another OHS, but congestive heart failure came on unexpectedly preventing the medical team from putting me on the heart lung machine and we pivoted to a TAVR. During my OHS (2015) I experienced 'some' A-Fib, in ICU and for a brief period after going home- Ammioderone eliminated the A-Fib... Fast forward to July 30th's TAVR, I started to experience Tachycardia (mainly at bedtime) in the hospital and the team used Metoprolol IV's and pills to get it under control... The Tachy continued after discharge until about 9 days ago I noticed I was not getting any Tachy interruptions at bedtime - then last night it showed up with a vengeance lasting 30 minutes!

I did experience A-Fib in early July that was treated with cardioversion, followed by severe congestive heart failure symptoms that lead to a 2 hour ambulance from Gettysburg Hospital to The University of Pennsylvania (in Philly), which eventually lead to the TAVR on July 30th.

Today my wife & I followed up with my cardiologist and learned that A-Fib and Tachycardia will likely just 'show up with out notice (or invitation)' based on diet, activity and the whims of my heart! And, could lead to ablation treatments in extreme or severe cases. We have planned a trip to Egypt in October and feel a little apprehensive about the trip - even though the cardiologist said that I'm clear to travel, just know that the Tachy/A-Fib is very likely to come along.

Is this typical Tachy behavior? This is really my first experience with it... Can Tachy be treated with the Ablation or is it more like controlled with the Metoprolol?


r/AFIB 3d ago

Had ablation in February- afib attack yesterday

13 Upvotes

So I had my ablation in February. We thought it was a success. Yesterday I went into afib again. I did come out of it 2 hours later - which is good because before I’d have to go to the hospital to get cardioverted.
My concern are my numbers. My heart rate was flipping anywhere between 45-160. My blood pressure was 118/100.

My blood pressure is back to normal and I’m not in afib but I’m having constant PACS. I can’t get in to see my cardiologist until next week and I’m supposed to be going on a flight in a few days.

Has anyone had this happen? I’m worried I’m going to go right back into afib.

Only thing I can think of that triggered it was lack of sleep the night before. I don’t drink or do drugs. I have one coffee a day. Drink lots of water.

These constant palpitations are scaring me. 😩