Is atrial fibrillation a lifelong condition in a 62-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 62 years old, slightly overweight, and have mild high blood pressure. I was just diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after feeling my heart race suddenly last week. It is scary because I was not even exercising, just sitting at my desk. The ER doctor started me on a blood thinner and a beta-blocker, but I am worried about the risk of bleeding.

Do I have to take these forever?
Also, they mentioned maybe doing a cardioversion or ablation later. How safe are those?
Is it possible for AFIB to go away completely, or is this something I will have to manage lifelong?

I have been trying to cut caffeine and manage stress, but I still feel my heart flutter sometimes.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is understandable to feel confused and afraid, as this is something almost every person experiences after a first diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. You are not alone in this. Regarding the blood thinner Anticoagulant, at 62 years of age with hypertension, anticoagulation is generally recommended to reduce the risk of stroke.

If atrial fibrillation resolves or a procedure such as ablation is successful, the doctor will decide whether it should be continued lifelong or can be safely stopped. This decision should be made under medical guidance.

Concerning bleeding risk, this is a common and valid concern. The risk of bleeding with medications such as Apixaban or Rivaroxaban is generally lower compared to Warfarin. However, combinations with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or alcohol should be avoided to reduce bleeding risk. Small lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.

The beta-blocker is generally safe for controlling heart rate. Once the heart rate is well controlled, the doctor may reduce the dose or stop it depending on the response over time.

Cardioversion (a procedure that restores normal heart rhythm using electrical or medication-based methods) is a short and generally safe procedure, with a success rate of around 70 %. Catheter ablation is also considered safe when performed by experienced specialists. Both procedures are well-established and routinely performed.

Lifestyle measures such as weight reduction, blood pressure control, limiting alcohol intake, and improving sleep can help manage atrial fibrillation along with anticoagulation. The efforts to reduce caffeine intake and manage stress are beneficial and should be continued. Regular follow-up is important, as the cardiologist will monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.