afib occurs when the atria (upper heart chambers) quit beating, but instead simply quiver ... when that occurs one loses 20% of their pumping power, the ventricles beat randomly and eradically, and the changes of stroke, heart failure, and dementia goes through the roof ...
daily anti-arrhythmic medications (most of which are VERY dangerous drugs with a narrow therapeutic window) can often keep one in normal sinus rhythm for some period of time until they stop working
the only permanent fix for afib is ablation via catheter, with catheter cryoablation being superior to catheter microwave point burner, OR having a Cox maze IV procedure on the left atrium whilst open heart surgery is being performed for some other reason
a nasty alternative is to put people permanently on anti-coagulants and leave them permanently in afib ... this will help to to prevent strokes, but does nothing to prevent heart failure and dementia ... [note that joe biden has been in permanent afib for decades and fetterman got his stroke because he was in permanent afib WITHOUT anticoagulants]
friends do not let friends remain in permanent afib!
Good post. I am in chronic afib and was treated with ablation (microwave) for the first time at age 65. This is because medicare covers this so the docs decided my case was increasing in severity when I got on medicare. Prior to this I was treated witt blood pressure drugs that slowed the heart rate. I am still on them too.
As an aside, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and likely had it throughout this time period. Now with SA treatment, everything is improving. The afib has stayed in a non-critical state and I can swim and golf for exercise. The respiration problem did get severe enough that I retired from teaching — too much walking, too out of breath.
I had four attempts to restore sinus rhythm and they all failed. Likely due to the respiration problem at night. (My opinion, but the docs have not disagreed).
The last procedure was a mini maze and I asked for a clamp on the Left Atrial Appendage because it was a contributor to stroke. The clamp is still in place and — no stroke so far.
Blood thiners resulted in brain subdural hematoma (2 times) so that is why the clamp was used.
Bottom line, check for other problems that contribute to afib, yes, I was overweight and had diabetes. They may all have been related to SA.
My cardio only wants to see me once a year, unless I develop problems and want to see him sooner. I am now 78 and so I have made it past the ten year mark, and take each day one at a time.