Heart Disease Community

Atrial fibrillation can be so frustrating! Some people find that after being on an anti-arrhythmic medication for a few days or weeks that they are more likely to stay in sinus rhythm after a cardioversion. The good news is that cardioversions are generally low risk and can usually be repeated without significant concern - sounds like something to continue to discuss with your doctor.

I wasn't put on the Multaq after the conversion, only after the A-fib came back and I saw the doctor again and had the EKG done. So, do you think I'll be continuing the meds, even if another 'shock' puts me back in the right rhythm?
This drug is causing me such a light headed feeling, almost like I could pass out and I don't do that--or never have! However, the inner ear thing causes this too but this is more than I've felt in a very long time---and it's scary! Even the drug for nausea doesn't knock the nausea for long like it has in the past due to my ear problems. I'll find out tomorrow what's next but do appreciate your time and your information. I'm ready to feel 'normal' again, it's been so long with the A-fib just diagnosed and prior to that and ongoing the Meniere's and surgery due to that, has really gotten to me. Quality of life is not good right now. Again, thanks!

Hi:

Unfortunately, cardioversion can fail. Side effects may/can subside as the body adjusts itself, or continue on.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has various causes (also known to be associated with many cardiac conditons) or triggers, sometimes being a one time-only occurrence, or may/can come and go, or be chronic.

During AF, electrical signals in the atria occur in a very fast, uncontrolled, and chaotic manner so that the atria quiver instead of contract, producing ineffective and disorganized atrial contractions. These disorganized electrical signals then arrive at the ventricles in an irregular fashion.

As reported, AF is an independent risk factor for a brain attack/stroke (increasing the risk about 5-fold), and significantly increases all-cause mortality in most age groups. Additionally, some individuals with AF are at an increased risk of heart failure or cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).

There are a small % of individuals in which a reversible cause for AF can be readily identified, e.g., alcoholism, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, and thus AF does not recur once the cause has been alleviated.

As applicable, goals for managing recurrent or chronic AF are to restore and maintain the normal atrial rhythm and pumping function, control the ventricular rate, prevent any correlating major adverse cardiac event.

AF Management

Correct any electrolyte imbalance/defficiency, in particular, potassium, magnesium. Control the ventricular response. Anticoagulation (so-called "blood thinner") therapy.

Sometimes, and on a case-by-case basis, one with an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia, includes a racing or fast heartbeat) will need to see/consult with a cardiologist WHO IS ALSO an electrophysiologist (EP), a specialist in diagnosing and treating (possibly with a catheter ablation) problems going on in the heart's electrical conduction system.

Best of luck down the road of life.

Take care,

CardioStar*

WebMD member (since 8/99)



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Be well-informed

Cleveland Clinic

Atrial Fibrillation

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/atrial_fibrillation/afib.htm

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General info, as applicable to the patient -

WebMD

Heart Disease and Electrophysiology Testing

Why Do I Need an Electrophysiology Study?

To determine the cause of an abnormal heart rhythm.

To locate the site of origin of an abnormal heart rhythm

To decide the best treatment for an abnormal heart rhythm.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/diagnosing-electrophysiology

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Learn about the heart's delicate/precise electrical conduction system

Animated Tutorial

http://www.your-doctor.com/healthinfocenter/medical-conditions/cardiovascular/conductiontutorial.html

Heart Rhythm Society

Info Center

http://www.hrspatients.org/patients


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KNOW your prescription drugs and KNOW them WELL

WebMD

Drugs A-Z

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx

Ask A Patient

Rate a drug, side effects, comments, etc.

http://askapatient.com/rateyourmedicine.htm

iGuard

http://www.iguard.org

Drugstore com

Drug Interaction Checker

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may interact with other drugs, foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/drugchecker

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Quote!

Be a questioning patient. TALK to your DOCTOR and ASK QUESTIONS. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"

- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society

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It's your future......be there.

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WebMD/WebMD forums does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Well--Cardio doctor has cut in half the dosage of the multaq to see if that helps with side effects--and I'm scheduled for another 'shock' next week. The EKG showed I'm still in A-fib but only been on the meds 4 days now.
Will probably stay in them if the 'shock works'. I was sooo lightheaded and nauseated at the office--and am still after 4 hours being home---can't wait for a good nights rest and hopefully a better tomorrow. Just wanted to update and say 'thanks' again

Thanks for the update.

Take good care,

CardioStar*



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It's your future......be there.

try not to worry too much about this.most medicines do not work for people with heart arryth. i am 70 and have had it all my life.my father had it too and lived into his nineties.i found it best to learn to live with it as the worry about it will kill you faster.
caffene plays a roll so i try to keep it down to one cup of coffee a day.i have not noticed a diff. between one cup or no cups.use your own discresion.
best of luck ron