Q&A: Living with atrial fibrillation

What if I…

Experience side effects from my drug therapy

Side effects are often best discussed with your primary care physician, local pharmacist or nurse specialist in the first instance. Where these are minor and well tolerated it may be appropriate to wait until you next follow up appointment. Severe side effects related to the introduction of treatment such as breathing difficulties or blackouts warrant urgent assessment.

Why is my heart not always put back into normal rhythm?

As you will realise with rhythm control, putting the heart into a normal rhythm and keeping it there will automatically control the heart rate. So why not put everyone back into a normal rhythm? Simply because in some patients it is not possible and in others, particularly those who are asymptomatic, it may not be necessary.

Have a recurrence of my original symptoms

If you have had your heart rhythm restored to normal there is always a possibility that your atrial fibrillation has recurred. If the symptoms are of severe breathlessness at rest, blackouts, dizziness or chest pain urgent assessment is required and you should contact a medical professional. If not a further outpatient assessment will be need to required arranged either directly or through your primary care physicians.

Experience continuing symptoms

Initial treatment to control the heart rate in atrial fibrillation may not result in immediate control of all your symptoms. It is reasonable to wait for a follow up appointment to see if the symptoms settle. If your symptoms have worsened despite treatment then a more urgent appointment will be needed.

Experience new symptoms

Not all new symptoms will be related to your AF. It is important to look out for increased breathlessness, swollen ankles or difficulty in breathing at night which will require urgent assessment. Blackouts or chest pain can also develop in those with a prior diagnosis of AF and need assessment as an emergency. Symptoms of a stroke (weakness of one half of the body, slurring or loss of speech, facial drooping) require emergency treatment.

Experience bleeding

The majority of patients with atrial fibrillation will receive some form of anticoagulation. An increased tendency to bruising can be expected however spontaneous bruising or prolonged nose bleeds should be discussed with your pharmacist or doctor. Bleeding from the bowel requires urgent assessment, vomiting blood is an emergency requiring treatment at your local hospital.

Can I still travel by air and drive with the condition?

Yes. Most patients with atrial fibrillation will not have a problem with air travel or driving. If you are still very symptomatic or have severe complications from the condition it is worthwhile discussing this with your medical practitioner first as you may need to declare this to your motor licensing body. You will need to declare your condition, medications previous treatment on any travel insurance application.

What about sex?

Sexual activity is safe for AF patients who are stable (optimally managed). If you want to use pharmacological treatment for sexual problems, please consult your doctor about safety.

The content for this website for patients has been reviewed by Dr. Heather Edwards (nominated by the British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS)).

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