Brief Answer:
Atrial fibrillation Medical vs. cardioversion/ablation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care questions and concerns.

You have had long term atrial fibrillation and from your description that would be greater than 1 year. In doing cardioversion and ablation the best time to have them done is immediately after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The longer you wait the less chance your heart will be able to convert back to normal sinus rhythm. Even medication like amiodarone will not convert you to normal sinus rhythm after such a long time.

Since you have had the atrial fibrillation for a long time you can try cardioversion and ablation but do not be surprised if your don't get the results you are seeking.

My recommendation is to continue with your current medication.

In summary
1. long term atrial fibrillation difficult to convert to sinus rhythm
2. Cardioversion and ablation are alternative therapies but lower success with long term atrial fibrillation
3. Amiodarone used more for control of overall heart rate and not for conversion to sinus rhythm.

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with any of your health care concerns

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Brief Answer:
stay the course

Detailed Answer:
As long as your atrial fibrillation is controlled then I would not recommend switching medications. Amiodarone has numerous side effects and is used only when the other medications have failed. So unless there are any side effects from your current mediations that require your to stop them I would keep you on taztia, Coumadin and HCTZ.

Amiodarone can cause hypothyroidism, and actually promote or cause other arrhythmia, lung problems and liver damage.

So I say stay the course as your doctor has already outlined

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