Atrial Fibrillation [edited at OP's request]

Again, thanks all for the advice and encouragement. I’m particularly miffed as I was also diagnosed with type two diabetes in Feb. I am 5’4, weigh 9 and a half stone, teetotal, non smoker, drink no caffeinated drinks whatsoever, low carb (and hardly any sugar) and exercise regularly. Go to bed at 10 each night.

I’m at a loss to see what else I can do to help myself - I’m already living a pretty anti social life (see above!) A trigger for me is running upstairs quickly so I guess I will be cutting down on that too

Mynixe I know some people same as you who either have type 2 diabetes or very high cholesterol. Unfortunately our bodies are a complete mystery and will do what they want. 18 months ago I had recurring UTIs and kidney infections for 8 months had 16 courses of antibiotics. Saw a urologist who thought I just had a very bad infection that took a while to go. Had ultrasound on my bladder and kidneys everything was normal. But a nurse gave me a good tip. When using the toilet make sure your knees and hips are the same height that way you empty your bladder completely.

I have an ease toilet which is higher than a normal one. So use the step I have for my grandson's to use. Not had an infection nearly 2 years .

Even with AF or PAF exercise is a must but do it gently. There should be a exercise program in your local area for people with heart problems.

Your GP surgery or hospital will be able to tell you. ?

I've had AF ( many on the family have it) for many years now. I was unaware of it, because I was so used to the swooping birds and flapping fish in my chest that it seemed normal. Normal BP 90/60, resting pulse 45. Sotalol and warfarin, switched to rivaroxaban for convenience. The worst part of the whole thing was the first 3 years of Sotalol, hefty dose, which absolutely flattened me. Cardiologist told me I was being dramatic. Now on 25% of that original dose, and everything is great. I still spend 3-4 hours a day in the garden, doing heavy work, eat keto, sleep like a baby. A few flips daily, but nothing much else. It's really all fine, just don't worry. Take your blood thinners and lead a sensible life.

Luckygirl3

I am on Rivaroxaban. No blood tests needed.

But all of the newer blood thinners can causing haemorrhage and if/when they do, they require hospital treatment. My point is that while Warfarin does require regular testing, the results are quickly communicated and the dosage reduced or increased as necessary and if there is a bleed, vitamin K is usually enough to correct it. With drugs like Apixaban, Edoxiban and Rivaroxaban there is no antidote, and GP’s don’t seem to be explaining that to patients because the focus is on getting them off Warfarin to reduce the costs incurred by regular blood tests.

Is there a particular diet that’s good for AF, or certain things to eat or avoid at all costs?

My cardiologist (not the grumpy old guy) is a great fan of Keto.

It sounds as if you have had excellent care Whiff. Nobody has mentioned an AF clinic to my DH, it sounds a good idea and would have taken away a lot of the anxiety his episodes have caused us both. He has had a heart monitor for 24 hours and an echocardiogram but very little feedback or advice.

AmberSpyglass

Is there a particular diet that’s good for AF, or certain things to eat or avoid at all costs?

It is suggested there is a relationship between high carb consumption and AF and changing to decaffeinated coffee worked for my DH.

After reading Pammie’s posts about bleeding danger from Apixipan and similar drugs, compared with warfarin, I did some quick research. It seems that a number of trials (published in medical journals) have concluded that Apixipan is better than warfarin in preventing stroke in people with AF and there is also less risk of bleeding.

I found reading the research results reassuring as I’m on Apixipan - warfarin was never suggested by cardiologist.

Anyone who is on blood thinners, but is going to refuse a transfusion in the event of losing a lot of blood (such as Jehovah's Witnesses) is given Warfarin, which can be counteracted with vitamin K in an emergency, rather than Apixipan.

An elderly relative in this position needed blood thinners What was concerning was that because she is in general very fit (all that walking round the doors) she is very seldom at the GPs, and had never actually mentioned her religious affiliations to them, so until I phoned them about her and mentioned it in passing, they had no idea. They could then prescribe Warfarin.

So it is a good idea to tell your GP about other aspects of your life than purely medical ones.