How do you get past the initial feeling of doom Diagnosed with Afib 2 weeks ago. Started at 11pm at night. I thought I was having an anxiety attack and tried to ride it out. By 7AM, I was so upset I was lightheaded. My husband took me to ER and when the doc said "You're in Afib." I had no idea what that meant. A little while after we arrived, my heart returned to normal rhythm. At first I was told they would send me home with an aspirin a day, but the cardiologist on duty said that since they knew NOTHING about me, he wanted to keep overnight and make sure that I had not had a heart attack. Blood tests were great. Cholesterol, glucose, etc. were perfect.. Echocardiogram showed no blockages. Stress test was incomplete because I threw up from the meds. Now, my BP was high and they were never able to get it to come down to a good number. (I have major anxiety, but have never taken any type of medication.) I do think my BP has been high for awhile, but I always thought I could deal with it (guess not). I have been prescribed BP meds and Eliquis. Now I can't seem to settle down with this diagnosis. Every little feeling I have makes me think I'm going to go into Afib. My BP has been really good (due to the medication). I have started the treadmill again. I want to lose about 20 pounds. But I know I need to calm down. I have a lot of stress, and i feel like it all came to a head that night. Any words of wisdom? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166719#msg-166719 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:56 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166984#msg-166984 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166984#msg-166984
I wish thus Afib thing was a bad dream. I cannot believe that I have to spend the rest of my life dealing with this. I know it could be much worse. My own sister, who is 4 years younger than me is dealing with early onset dementia and lung cancer. First person in our family with dementia (including parents. Grandparents etc) And she has never smoked, had a drink or any of the risk factors for kung cancer. (Because of her dementia she has no idea shes sick)

So I know I need to buck up.]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 27 Dec 2018 18:56:50 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166967#msg-166967 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166967#msg-166967
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JoyWin
I believe a lot of Drs don't really understand AF

They don’t. And it’s more than a lot, it’s most.

The search for the right combo of cardio and EP is just absolutely key for successful AF treatment. Go to the cardio for bedside manner and the EP for raw, hands-down skill.]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:28:45 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166963#msg-166963 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166963#msg-166963
I usually feel that way when I have a particularly difficult episode with severe chest pain and dizziness and very high HR - >180. If the episodes are "quieter" I'm not so stressed.

My strategy when I feel that way is to self talk myself, I tell myself, "relax stress makes it worse,It's JUST AF" I put on some good music or watch a movie or call the grandkids, anything to distract me.

Having said that I am aware of the associated risks of AF so I also keep a record of my events, like BP, use a Kardia device so I can take to my EP, and just note down how I felt prior to, during and after the event.

A good EP is essential and I believe a lot of Drs don't really understand AF

Enjoy your holiday B)]]> JoyWin AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 26 Dec 2018 22:27:12 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166810#msg-166810 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166810#msg-166810
What type of diuretic? You might want I ask for a potassium sparing one. HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) is notorious for shedding potassium, if in fact that’s what you’re on.

As for your friend on flec, without knowing anything about her case I just couldn’t offer an opinion. It’s good, though, that you know someone who takes the medication. You’ll have someone to share experiences with should you yourself wind up on the same drug.]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:17:31 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166809#msg-166809 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166809#msg-166809
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katesshadow
I have a friend who takes flecainide because she said her heart has many many extra beats. She insists that my AF and her issue are not related. But, if she did not take it, would she not run the risk of AFib? (I have no idea.....like I've said, this is all new to me.)

It sounds like she's taking it to control PVCs. If that's the case then she's right that her issue is completely unrelated to yours.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:11:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166801#msg-166801 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166801#msg-166801
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wolfpack

Someone above suggested taking a beta blocker if I happen to go into Afib at Disney.

I am taking one every day for BP.

I assuming that helps prevent an episode?



It does not.

A beta blocker is a rate control medication. It slows your heart down. AF is very chaotic, but in a broad sense the atria are probably trying to go at something like 300 beats per minute when fibrillating. Fortunately the heart has an “electrical junction box” in between the atria and the ventricles called the AV node. It doesn’t conduct every single errant pulse from the upper chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles). If the ventricles tried to beat 300 times per minute you’d fall over and die. In AF, the AV node is going to conduct about 2:1 on average. So your ventricular rate will average something like 150. This is uncomfortable but not life threatening. Over time, however, this inappropriate rate will lead to a thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure. So you take a beta blocker to reduce the rate. Anything under 100 and your risk of heart failure pretty much goes to zero. That’s the rationale behind rate control. Of course, when you’re not in AF then the beta will make your normal resting pulse even lower which may make you feel tired or less able to engage in daily activities.

Another class of drugs, called anti-arrhythmics (AARs), try to keep the heart in normal rhythm. In other words, prevent an episode. Rate control is almost always used in conjunction with AARs. AARs are a bit more complicated and require you and your cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) to get to know each other well enough to make the proper choices. Common first line AARs are Propafenone and flecainide. They are the most benign of the bunch. Up from those are drugs like Tikosyn. Those generally require a hospital stay to start. Atop the list is the nuclear option called amiodarone. That one, in my opinion, is to be avoided at all costs. It has very nasty side effects, some of them fatal. If you ever run across a practitioner who wants to go straight to amiodarone, I suggest you go straight out the door.

I was not prescribed an anti-arrhythmic. The doc seemed more concerned with my BP. I am taking Norvasc (5mg) and a combo of bisoprosol and diuretic. My rate is pretty consistent at 55-60.

My BP almost always runs high when I am stressed - so the entire time I was in Afib, at the ER and even at my follow-up doctor appt., it was elevated. It's hard to tell what my real BP is since some can be attributed to white coat. Either way, high is high. It is in a good range now, but I want to get it there without the drugs.

I have a friend who takes flecainide because she said her heart has many many extra beats. She insists that my AF and her issue are not related. But, if she did not take it, would she not run the risk of AFib? (I have no idea.....like I've said, this is all new to me.)

Thanks for your informative post.]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 15 Dec 2018 16:26:18 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166797#msg-166797 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166797#msg-166797
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katesshadow
Someone above suggested taking a beta blocker if I happen to go into Afib at Disney.

I am taking one every day for BP.

I assuming that helps prevent an episode?

It does not.

A beta blocker is a rate control medication. It slows your heart down. AF is very chaotic, but in a broad sense the atria are probably trying to go at something like 300 beats per minute when fibrillating. Fortunately the heart has an “electrical junction box” in between the atria and the ventricles called the AV node. It doesn’t conduct every single errant pulse from the upper chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles). If the ventricles tried to beat 300 times per minute you’d fall over and die. In AF, the AV node is going to conduct about 2:1 on average. So your ventricular rate will average something like 150. This is uncomfortable but not life threatening. Over time, however, this inappropriate rate will lead to a thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure. So you take a beta blocker to reduce the rate. Anything under 100 and your risk of heart failure pretty much goes to zero. That’s the rationale behind rate control. Of course, when you’re not in AF then the beta will make your normal resting pulse even lower which may make you feel tired or less able to engage in daily activities.

Another class of drugs, called anti-arrhythmics (AARs), try to keep the heart in normal rhythm. In other words, prevent an episode. Rate control is almost always used in conjunction with AARs. AARs are a bit more complicated and require you and your cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) to get to know each other well enough to make the proper choices. Common first line AARs are Propafenone and flecainide. They are the most benign of the bunch. Up from those are drugs like Tikosyn. Those generally require a hospital stay to start. Atop the list is the nuclear option called amiodarone. That one, in my opinion, is to be avoided at all costs. It has very nasty side effects, some of them fatal. If you ever run across a practitioner who wants to go straight to amiodarone, I suggest you go straight out the door.]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 15 Dec 2018 02:25:25 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166796#msg-166796 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166796#msg-166796
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smackman

Benzodiazepines are a BEAST. Getting off the Fentanyl Patch for chronic pain was a small adventure compared to Benzodiazepines.
Be Careful.

I've posted this before I think, but it's worth posting the link again:

BENZODIAZEPINES: HOW THEY WORK
AND HOW TO WITHDRAW

[www.benzo.org.uk]

I have a little history with this myself. If I had to choose again, I'd still take a benzo to attack the anxiety. Anxiety can be just as formidable a beast.]]> AB Page AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:02:22 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166795#msg-166795 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166795#msg-166795
I am taking one every day for BP.

I assuming that helps prevent an episode?

Would I take another one?

Hoping not to worry about it lol]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 20:24:12 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166794#msg-166794 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166794#msg-166794 Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 19:31:27 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166793#msg-166793 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166793#msg-166793
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AB Page
Follow your cardiologist's advice, and also find and start a relationship with an electrophysiologist. Watch your alcohol intake, consider the supplements of magnesium and taurine and be sure you get plenty of potassium in your diet. Stay hydrated. And no matter what, get tested for sleep apnea, whether you think you have it or not. There is a direct relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and afib. And an occasional benzodiazepine for the anxiety is very helpful.

Occasional Benzodiazepine is a Key Phrase. I was given Ativan to help with my Anxiety in 2012. At one point, I was taken 2 mg 3x a day. After a couple of weeks, I was “dependent” on this horrible drug. Fast forward to present; I am still struggling with kicking this drug. I have been tapering Klonopin. I was switched from Ativan to Klonopin because Klonopin has a much longer half life by a shrink. I was given 1 mg Klonopin 3x a day. It eventually was not enough because the body tolerance goes up. So to get off this nightmare benzodiazepine, I started an anti depressant Prozac. It took 8 weeks for Prozac to be really effective but in the last 18 months I am down from 3-4 mg of Klonopin a day to 1 1/4 a day. It’s a very slow tapering process but I could not do it without 20 mg Prozac daily. My goal is to have Klonopin out of my life by Jan 2020 then I will work on the Prozac.
Benzodiazepines are a BEAST. Getting off the Fentanyl Patch for chronic pain was a small adventure compared to Benzodiazepines.
Be Careful.]]> smackman AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:37:50 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166791#msg-166791 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166791#msg-166791 katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:28:46 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166787#msg-166787 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166787#msg-166787 Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 06:02:35 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166783#msg-166783 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166783#msg-166783
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katesshadow
Now I'm realizing this is something I need to pay attention to.

Yes.

You control a-fib or it controls you. The good news is, a-fib is controllable.]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 03:04:30 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166782#msg-166782 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166782#msg-166782
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Jons
Here is an interesting article about eliminating afib: [drjohnday.com]

Thank you so much - this is a very encouraging site!]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Dec 2018 02:35:31 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166780#msg-166780 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166780#msg-166780 drjohnday.com]]]> Jons AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 23:38:46 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166776#msg-166776 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166776#msg-166776
I had no Idea about Afib. All I knew was from the commercials on TV.

All the cardiologist told me was take your meds, lose a little weight and exercise.

I was initially relieved because all my numbers were good (except blood pressure) and no heart disease or blockages.

Now I'm realizing this is something I need to pay attention to.

This stinks but I'm hoping I'll settle down because it sure won't help me if I don't.]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 21:54:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166774#msg-166774 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166774#msg-166774

So, to answer you question plainly - it just took time. Between one and two months.


If the meds are having a negative impact on your quality of life and you are a good candidate for an ablation - go for it!]]> Jons AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 21:17:24 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166772#msg-166772 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166772#msg-166772 katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:21:25 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166767#msg-166767 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166767#msg-166767 Ken AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:53:17 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166757#msg-166757 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166757#msg-166757
So, to answer your question, any regular pulse is not AF. It might not be a normal rhythm, however, just not AF.

A Kardia monitor, if you can afford it, is an excellent choice and very easy to use, They are about $100. I'd skip on the subscription service that they apparently now try to sell along with it and just print or email any rhythm strips that I wanted to keep.]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 15:29:22 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166754#msg-166754 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166754#msg-166754 katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:51:55 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166753#msg-166753 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166753#msg-166753 ust crossing my fingers that it sticks.]]> bolimasa AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 06:53:56 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166750#msg-166750 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166750#msg-166750
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katesshadow
Never taken medication before so I have to make sure I remember to take it!

Got a smartphone? Set alarms that recur every day at the appropriate times. That's what I do.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Dec 2018 01:09:43 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166749#msg-166749 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166749#msg-166749
I was prescribed Norvasc 5mg then she added a combination beta blocker and diuretic since the Norvasc alone was not doing the job. Heart rate now averages 55-60 and BP is good.

Never taken medication before so I have to make sure I remember to take it!]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 12 Dec 2018 23:41:02 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166744#msg-166744 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166744#msg-166744
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katesshadow
Thanks Wolfpack!

We are leaving for Disneyworld on Sunday. When I asked the cardiologist, she said "No problem" that I should be able to ride anything.

But......she added it might bring on an episode of afib.

Yikes.

Which, I didn't even ask what I was supposed to do if it did???

Your original post said you were on BP meds and Eliquis. Is that it? What are the BP meds? I'd ask for a beta blocker, such as metoprolol (assuming that's not the BP med that you mentioned), for rate control if you did find yourself in an AF episode while firmly imprisoned inside a Disney park :). You could just pop a pill if needed to get things under control temporarily. Do you know what your rate was during your prior AF episode?]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:51:10 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166743#msg-166743 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166743#msg-166743
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bolimasa
I kind wondered if I rushed into ablation

I'm not sure it's even possible to rush into ablation with an experienced and renowned EP such as yours. Don't lose a wink of sleep over that.

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bolimasa
Another thought on the feeling of doom... While it's commonly thought that an anxiety triggers AFib... I got the feeling that for me the AFib triggered anxiety

That's common. You weren't imagining anything.]]> wolfpack AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:44:36 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166741#msg-166741 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166741#msg-166741 AB Page AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 12 Dec 2018 17:16:48 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166740#msg-166740 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166740#msg-166740
I have always been in excellent physical condition, so the afib had little impact on my lifestyle. If in afib, I chose to not work out, but that was pretty much it.

The point is - do the suggested things mentioned above, keep researching about afib on this site, take a deep breath and know that it's manageable and possibly fixable through diet, supplements or ablation. I finally had a successful ablation 12 years ago.]]> Ken AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:04:20 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166738#msg-166738 Re: How do you get past the initial feeling of doom https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,166719,166738#msg-166738
I can lose the weight, but I'm not going to seriously try until after the holidays.

Glad you're feeling better. That is encouraging.]]> katesshadow AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:10:49 +0000