Atrial Fibrillation, Part 1 - Fletcher Allen Health Care, Vermont

http://www.fletcherallen.org - Peter Spector, M.D., a nationally renowned expert in heart rhythm disorders, discusses atrial fibrillation -- an irregular heart beat -- and a procedure used to correct this condition known as cardiac ablation. Fletcher Allen, a university medical center located in Burlington, Vermont, is allied with the University of Vermont. Contact Fletcher Allen Cardiology at (802) 847-4600. As a university hospital, Fletcher Allen's team of more than 20 cardiologists and heart surgeons are providing nationally recognized treatment that is virtually unsurpassed -- from prevention to cardiac catheterization, from heart rhythm disorders to bypass surgery.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• ablation
• atrial
• fibrillation
• flutter
• heart
• beat
• irregular
• abnormal
• fletcher
• allen
• university
• of
• vermont
• peter
• spector

[coolanddark]

I had a an AF attack 2 months ago. I was in the hospital over night. Im now on Atenolol beta blocker. I havent had any full blown AF episodes that lasted 3 hours like the one that sent me to the ER but I have had flutters and a few strong deep sinking arrhytmias. One time was really bad, I though I was going to die. I got light headed and had a panic attack. It lasted for about one minute. Im just waiting around to die now. Merry Christmas

[FletcherAllen]

@coolanddark I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing these symptoms. Based on the feelings that you describe during your heart rhythms I would strongly suggest that you get in to see your doctor soon. If you feel badly enough you ought to go to an emergency room.

[JoelDres]

I'm 38 with AF. I would be grateful if you answer some questions pls (1) are there long term effects from continuing with my current daily medication: clopigogrel 75mg, tambocor 100 mg, metropolol 25 mg, perindropil mg. (2) when I was 21, I took some slimming pills, clenbuterol, could this have caused my AF? (3) if so, would the abalation still be a suitable treatement? (4) is there a risk of increased AF if the ablation doesn't work? Thank you in advance for this.

[FletcherAllen]

Before addressing your questions I must state that the only way to get complete answers to your questions is to talk with your doctor (no answers are complete without more information about you and your health).

That being said:

1) the medications that you mention have been used for quite some time and while they require monitoring by a physician they do not result in cumulative side effects.

cont...

[FletcherAllen]

@JoelDres

2) If it resulted in structural damage to the chambers or valves it could have contributed to development of AF (can’t really say without an echocardiogram)

3) Presumably ablation remains an option either way.

4) Ablations can result in 1) cure, 2) no change, 3) improvement but not out-right cure or 4) a new rhythm called atrial tachycardia which can be more symptomatic than AF (but it is unlikely to cause more AF).

Best regards, Dr. Spector

[pedrowerberg]

Can cocaine cause AF?

Can crdioversion get your heart back to normal. Thank you for this instructive video

[FletcherAllen]

@pedrowerberg Cocaine can exacerbate AF (and probably cause an episode).

Cardioversion can restore normal rhythm acutely (although not always effective) but does nothing to alter electrical properties and so does nothing to prevent AF from recurring (years, days or minutes after Cardioversion).

[WoundedEgo]

I liked this guy for a while, when he dispensed knowledge, but he wound up painting you into a "medication/surgery corner", and then started selling you his brand of remedy.. not really my idea of a doctor...

Have you tried bananas? They are loaded with Postasium, which is probably all you need...

[WoundedEgo]

@pedrowerberg Yes, it will push you near or into a state we call "death" but you probably won't care or even notice.

[pedrowerberg]

Dear Dr. Fletcher I had atrial fibrillation in 2009 and after going through a long treatment--3 diversions included- I got rid of it for 2 years and led a normal life until I had a recurring episode a few days ago. Through a dripping of amoidarone the arrhythmia was reversed in hospital I am taking my pills now -amiodarone and Nebivolol Due to the side effects of amiodarone .My doctor is recommending a minimally invasive surgical ablation. Your input would be greatly appreciated..

[HarryTrumansGhost]

Do not attempt to have this doen at a teaching hospital: Google "Collateral Damage by Dan Walter"

[xzaxx]

its from 100 to 220 not 300 or 400. you will die and wont handle 300 in a minute.

[skipheaton]

@coolanddark I have regular AF episodes, sometimes lasting for 8 hours or more. I go to 150 bpm sometimes, but mostly 120 or so. I take a beta blocker daily and a thinner. I had a heart attack 4 years ago and open heart surgery for 5 bypasses. Basically, don't let it get you down, live your life and stay positive. Eat right, move, don't smoke, cut down on caffein and alcohol. If you worry about it, that just causes stress, and you don't need that. Good Luck !

[rocaho001]

@coolanddark oh my buddy :( im so sorry. im having heart issues right now also and im really spooked. i just turned 21 and i really dont want to die yet. i want to live a normal life

[justcallmethelma]

@coolanddark my friend ,did u know how to spy on other people, if they dont fav something?!but comment, well thats how i found this comment of urs & i wish u had told me! i only check in to make sure one checks in, then i know they are okay!(its part of the YTs lack of privacy issues, that i hate bigtime & why i dont comment on things that i wish to keep secret!)well i sure hope ur condition is not as serious that ur waiting aroudn to die!...from a friend who really does care u know!! love&hugs!