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No Vested Interest

(5,193 posts)
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 03:34 PM Sep 2020

Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation - questions about effectiveness, etc.

Cardioversion has been recommended for my recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation.
My a-fib is of the type that the heart beats slower, as opposed to those who have faster beats, palpitations, etc.

I wouldn't have known I had the condition, although I have been more tired and with less energy for about 6 months.
I also have increased swelling of ankles and legs, which leads to fluid in the chest cavity, a precursor to congestive heart failure.
ECG revealed the condition; heart echo shows my heart has not been altered/damaged at this time.
I am past 80, live alone in a one-floor house and mostly independent, though I sure appreciate any and all assistance from two nearby children.

I have mixed feelings about cardioversion, as I hear many comments that it doesn't work or doesn't work very long if it works initially.
Questions - does it work equally well for curing slow beat as it does for faster beats?
How does one know, except for ECG, that heart is still in rhythm?

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation - questions about effectiveness, etc. (Original Post) No Vested Interest Sep 2020 OP
I strongly recommend you find the answers you are seeking either from your cariologist or hlthe2b Sep 2020 #1
I strongly agree with your recommendation! CaliforniaPeggy Sep 2020 #2
I second that recommendation... FarPoint Sep 2020 #4
You are all correct that I need to seek info from other sources re cardioversion. No Vested Interest Sep 2020 #9
Good luck and let us know what you find. safeinOhio Sep 2020 #3
Slow heartbeat is better than fast, I'm told. No Vested Interest Sep 2020 #5
Cardioversion Claire Oh Nette Sep 2020 #6
Thanks for your input! No Vested Interest Sep 2020 #10
I had it a few years ago. mike_c Sep 2020 #7
Glad you came through your experience!! No Vested Interest Sep 2020 #11
Cardioversion Claire Oh Nette Sep 2020 #8

hlthe2b

(106,206 posts)
1. I strongly recommend you find the answers you are seeking either from your cariologist or
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 03:41 PM
Sep 2020

a second opinion cardiologist, as there are likely to be some individual issues that will make the choice of cardioconversion v medical therapy more clear.

But, it is important to inform yourself with reliable information
I'd start with the American Heart Association's detailed info:

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/cardioversion

CaliforniaPeggy

(151,961 posts)
2. I strongly agree with your recommendation!
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 03:48 PM
Sep 2020

This is not the proper place to find accurate info on such a complex topic.

No Vested Interest

(5,193 posts)
9. You are all correct that I need to seek info from other sources re cardioversion.
Sun Sep 6, 2020, 01:41 AM
Sep 2020

I have consulted twice with both the PA in my cardiologist's office, as well as, briefly, with the physician who will do the procedure.
I just have to feel comfortable in my own skin before I set the time and date. - My own personal issue.

Still have more reading & research to do, but I do respect the experiences of DUers who care to share.

safeinOhio

(33,999 posts)
3. Good luck and let us know what you find.
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 03:51 PM
Sep 2020

I'm 70 and have bradycardia, slow heart beat, and my resting pulse is about 42 beats per minute. EKG showed I have First-degree AV block. Suffered most of my life with elevated BP and pulse. I jog 3 days a week and my doctor says that may help. That's jog, not run.
Getting old is not for the weak.

No Vested Interest

(5,193 posts)
5. Slow heartbeat is better than fast, I'm told.
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 04:10 PM
Sep 2020

My runner son had a slower heart beat than average.
He was a competitive swimmer as youngster - long practices swimming lengths.
In high school it seems the swimming practice made him good for long-distance running, and in college for rowing.

You're correct about personal strength needed as we age.
How would we get through this pandemic without it?

Claire Oh Nette

(2,636 posts)
6. Cardioversion
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 04:33 PM
Sep 2020

Cardio-version is not complicated or painful. The staff will administer a sedative, place pads front and back, and then jolt you into a normal sinus rhythm.

My mother had two of these when she had runs of A-fib.

When I went to the ER with a heart rate of 255 two Septembers ago, when four doses of adenosine did not resent my v-fib, down for cardio-inversion. Took three jolts.

Once you are reset, A-fib can be controlled with medication.

If you have an arrhythmia, you will become hyper-attuned to your body and cognizant of when your heart races, and when it resets itself.

out of rhyth, will lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, lethargy, or with "life threatening v-fib" profuse sweating.

mike_c

(36,332 posts)
7. I had it a few years ago.
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 04:46 PM
Sep 2020

The procedure itself was no big deal under sedation. On the other hand the lab that was monitoring my warfarin messed up and I was bleeding like a stuck pig. I literally pissed blood. Getting an IV line in was gruesome. My nurse was horrified to learn that I was using power tools on my days off. Good times.

Claire Oh Nette

(2,636 posts)
8. Cardioversion
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 07:40 PM
Sep 2020

Cardio-version is not complicated or painful. The staff will administer a sedative, place pads front and back, and then jolt you into a normal sinus rhythm.

My mother had two of these when she had runs of A-fib.

When I went to the ER with a heart rate of 255 two Septembers ago, when four doses of adenosine did not resent my v-fib, down for cardio-inversion. Took three jolts.

Once you are reset, A-fib can be controlled with medication.

If you have an arrhythmia, you will become hyper-attuned to your body and cognizant of when your heart races, and when it resets itself.

When you are out of rhythm, you'll have shortness of breath, fatigue, lethargy, or with "life threatening v-fib" profuse sweating.

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