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Suggest Treatment For Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015

Question: I just wore a heart monitor for 30 days. it showed an episode of a fib that lasted for 11 heart beats with a heart rate of 144. is it really considered afib when an episode is that short?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!

What was recorded even if it was short (only 11 heart beats) is considered to be paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
p.s: If you have more questions about your concerns don't hesitate to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (15 hours later)

but is worth treating? I get a few episodes a year. none have ever lasted longer than 20 minutes. taking bisoprolol for rate control as my heart rate goes up to 150 -250 bpm while in a fib. But I get it with all episodes combined for less than an hour a year.
I also take a baby asprin daily

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It's worth to treat arrhythmia...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

It's worth of treating arrhythmia. As long as fibrillation episodes are 2-3 per year you should continue with bisoprolol and aspirin.

If fibrillation episodes become more frequent or last longer you should discus with your cardiologist to start antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulation therapy.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T