My story and I request suggestions for a second opinion

Gentlefolk,

In 2004 I was diagnosed with afib incidentally without looking for it. I had no symptoms of any kind that I had noticed and had competed in fitness competitions internationally. My pulse was very erratic so I was told.

I was then put on sotalol which had a very depressing effect on me

After many changes in my habits and with the great help of material from Hans and this website [for which I will be ever grateful] my afib disappeared by 2006.

Shortly after my 80th birthday at the end of last year my partner putting her head on my chest said my pulse was a bit irregular which I checked and was correct. I hadn't noticed anything of any kind prior.

My heart person referred me to a cardiologist who happened to be in the next office. He seemed competent but so do they all.

I had a Holter monitor with the final interpretation[I have the full detail]

Atrial fibrillation with a controlled ventricular response rates between 31 -120 bpm mean of 62 bpm
Isolated ventricular complexes with 2 couplets.
One isolated early-morning pause of 3.5 seconds
No patient events

My echocardiogram had the conclusion

Normal LV size with mild LVH and normal systolic function.
Mild bilateral enlargement.
Mild AR, MR and TR

I still don't notice anything and train at the gym exactly as before which is about half an hour without aerobics.. The cardiologist didn't see any reason to change.

I am on no medications apart from eliquis.

My question is about getting a second opinion from a top person whoever he or she may be.

This may be possible after sending my results and a good physical description of me plus any other tests that could be of interest.

If it would be a lot better to see the person in the USA that is another alternative though hopefully sending the information may be sufficient.

I'm sorry this posting is so long but tried to make it reasonably comprehensive.

If any other information could be of value please advise.

Thanks

Alex

Your Afib is asymptomatic, your echo parameters are very good for your age and you are appropriately on Eliquis. You could explore an ablation, but I think there is little to gain. You would probably be advised to stay on Eliquis long term even with an ablation since your AF is silent and could return without you noticing. For a second opinion, see an electrophysiologist, which you can find through the website of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Dear Lasik 1

I appreciate your prompt answer.

I'm sure I have psychological deficiencies and still want to get a second opinion from a top of the tree person.

Picking an unknown someone from a list doesn't suit my compulsions !

So I can understand. Why an electrophysiologist rather than a cardiologist? I realised after your reply I am not sure of the difference.

Thanks

Alex

Dear lasik1.

Looked up electrophysiologist/ cardiologist so now understand.

You obviously have good knowledge.Sounds like a second opinion not much value at this stage.

My remaining question is whether in view of my many somewhat blood thinning supplements how can I find out if 2.5 mg Eliquis may be enough at a weight of 74 kg.instead of 5

I have asked Meridian about their sticky blood test in Australia but no reply as yet

Thanks

Alex

Alex,

Hans posted about two Oz EP's that trained with the Bordeaux team."I would recommend either Dr. Prash Sanders at Royal Adelaide Hospital or Dr. Rukshen Weerasooriya at Royal Perth Hospital. They both trained with Pr. Haissaguerre in Bordeaux." <[www.afibbers.org] You could click on "Advanced Search" here and change the time to "all dates" to search on each. I may recall some here have been to see Dr. Sanders.

They might be your best bet for an in-country consult.

George