Question: Should I be concerned about Atrial Fibrillation?
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I had Atrial Fibrillation about 3 years ago. I was put on coumadin for 1 week and was back to normal. I have been taking Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg, 2 times a day and I also take blood pressure medications. I had a problem with my heart beat a couple of days ago: was all over the place and it lasted about 3 hrs. Settled down after I took my medication. I am 70 years old. My cardiologist has scheduled me to wear an event recorder for 30 days. Should I be concerned and can this become serious?
Answer:
Atrial fibrillation (afib) is a serious condition.
Sounds like it has been under great control for the last several years. I would not be concerned at this point, but I think your cardiologist is doing the right thing. He wants to see what your heart is doing when you have an episode like you described. It could have been atrial fibrillation again, how fast or slow was it, or was it a different arrhythmia. None of us can answer these questions until we can "see" what your heart was doing electrically. Make sure you take your medications every day. They are helping to keep you out of atrial fibrillation. If you are found to be going in and out of atrial fib, then you may need a medication adjustment or there are some procedures that can be done to stop the rhythm for happening too. Also, if you are going in and out of afib, then you will need to go on a blood thinner (coumadin or warfarin) because atrial fibrillation puts you are risk for a stroke.
I hope that helps a little bit. Please write me again if I can help you more.
