What are the chances my AF will become permanent?

In this video Dr Sanjay Gupta discusses the likelihood of Afib progressing from paroxysmal or intermittent to persistent and permanent. Please consider sharing and subscribing. Instagram ID: yorkcardiology.

[@brucemarquart5804]

Thank you very much for all your efforts to educate us about afib and many heart conditions. In my case (72 yrs old) with permanent condition, my doctor’s tried the usual NHS treatments which didn’t result in sustained correction. Thankfully, the medication including warfarin, have maintain “control” of most symptoms. Best lifestyle results have been abstinence from alcohol, vegetable diet as much as possible for me, and daily walk, swim, or bicycle ride, 30 -60 minutes, lots of sleep with my wife,(8 hours minimum), low stress lifestyle as much as possible, charity volunteer work to help others and lift my self esteem/maintain social relationships. Your videos are a tremendous motivation to stay positive

[@triciawilliamson2081]

Thank you for all your detailed explanations, so helpful for those of us struggling with trying to figure this out.

[@kevelliott]

Thank you for your work and the time and effort you put in to making these videos for us. I'm 65, I have paroxysmal AF and yes, I hate it. In particular it stops me from partaking of the exercise I like to do which itself is my passport (as I thought) to health and fitness in my old age. So, although I take your point about being more tolerant of permanent AF when it occurs, I allowed myself a wry smile when I wondered if I would be more tolerant of permanently being unable to cycle...

[@danielacosta3019]

Thank you for your explanation . Most helpful . Very refreshing to hear a cardiologist who cares for people

[@denisereynolds2399]

Thankyou lovely dr Sanjay. I had one awful episode of afib 7 yrs ago, taken to hospital by ambulance. Ready to start to shock the heart back to normal, thankfully it came down on its own. I was then diagnosed with atrial fibrillation proximal. ( forgive my spelling)All my records from hospital were lost as I never got my appointment for the 2 week follow up. Was given beta blockers before I left hospital. After all this time, I got lots of palpitations/ ectopics. I asked my gp to please refer me to see a cardiologist after putting up with them for 7 years and I hated them. Dr Sanjay, I remember you saying, “ “if palpitations happen in a good sound, normal heart, then the ectopics are benign “. So my gp referred me . I Had ecg, scan and a stress test, all came back normal, to thankfully. The cardiologist took me off the beta blocker and put me on a new medication called ( Flecainide) at 50mg twice a day. My reason for this message is to tell other sufferers, please if you’re not happy and feel you are not being taken seriously and your still getting these awful palpitations/ectopics, please push your gp to refer you for a scan . These new tables have honestly given my life back. From having lots of ectopics, hundreds, ( like every time I inhaled) to about 5 a day. Don’t suffer in silence. This medication may not work for you, but it’s worked for me and can honestly say if it wasn’t for Dr Sanjay saying in his blog to get a scan and see how the heart is doing, well I would of just gone on and been so unhappy . Thankyou wonderful DrSanjay. ❤️

[@kimyinyoga8892]

I can attest to the relief and empowerment that comes with persistent/permanent afib. When it was paroxysmal, when it came and went with no warning, I was stopped in my tracks. My stress and anxiety levels skyrocketed, and even when I was back in sinus rhythm, I felt fearful about how long 'normal' would last. And then, at 68 after decades of the on-off afib, it has become permanent and I am so relieved. You are right when you say it is not stressful. It's been easy to let go of the fear and the anxiety. And I don't feel limited anymore. I walk 3km a day, do an hour of yoga in the morning and lift weights in the evening. It not longer slows me down. No, I'm not doing triathlon level exercise, rock-climbing or jujitsu, but that's because of spinal issues, not my heart. Permanent afib is not the demon to avoid. For me, it's been a welcome blessing. I so appreciate hearing your confirmation of this, Dr Gupta. I'm glad I'm not an isolate case! Thank you for your videos. They fill a gap in patient care and education that I agree will benefit the entire world. Carry on with your good Self! xxKim

[@karynita229]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Could please tell us what medication you take to control high heart rate? My dad is I permanent afib the last 5 months but doctors can't lower the heart rate (100-117)

[@kimyinyoga8892]

​@@karynita229 I'm glad the sharing is helpful. Remember, I'm not a medical professional. These thoughts are just what has worked for me so far. Back 10 months, when I was in paroxysmal afib, my HR would be 170 - 200. And then, 8 months ago, I went into persistent/ permanent afib with an episode of pneumonia. My resting HR was 120 and it shot to 200 when I tried to stand up. At that time, I had 4 days bed rest in hospital and was first put on the beta blocker Motoprolol 50mg twice a day along with treatment for the pneumonia, a diuretic and Eliquis (blood thinner). I improved to a resting HR of 80 but it still shot up on exertion (like standing up...) I was sent home 4 days later with same meds. Unfortunately, I had terrible side-effects from the Metoprolol, and my GP lowered the dose to 25mg twice a day., That didn't help with the insomnia and lack of coordination, so she switched me to Atenolol, 25, mg twice a day. After 5 months of a whole new set of intolerable side-effects, I dropped down to 12.5 mg twice a day and then just once a day. By then I had learned how to keep my BP and HR down with exercise. I now only take the 'blood thinner' Eliquis. The body movement and breath work makes all the difference in the world. I do 30-60 min (but start a 10 or 15min) of YIN yoga every morning. This is a slow and gentle, but powerful yoga. There are tons of channels on KZbin (including mine) that offer sessions so your dad can find exactly what suits him. The benefit is learning how to relax, connect to the breath and gain strength at the same time. I meditate (TM) every day, and often do EFT for rapid and irregular hear rhythm. (tapping, or emotional freedom technique) Again, sessions on KZbin will help you find the guidance you resonate with the most. It's very powerful. And I walk daily. It's most helpful if there is a nature track or park nearby, but walking is key. Start slow, watching the HR and backing off if it climbs too high. I do about 40 min a day, 2-3 km now but did about 300 meters when first out of hospital. With my resting HR now between 55-60, I have added in weights, to help get muscle mass and strength back. I eat a 'Mediterranean' diet of all organic foods, greens from the garden, grass fed meat and no processed foods or 'bad' oils. No sugar, alcohol but I do have a cup of Joe in the morning. I supplement my diet with 3 gm Vit C, Magnesium (Cardio X) and 3 gm fish oil daily. And if I get stressed, I notice immediately and rest, meditate, read, (walk away) or watch a fav show. What lowers my HR the fastest is gaming on the PS4, if you can believe it). I make it an absolute priority to not worry about anything and care for myself. To sum, my persistent afib has a normal rate now, no tachycardia. PB is under 120/85 (though the home pressure cuffs are not so accurate with afib). I eat good food, get plenty of exercise, and do what makes me happy. That's what's working for me. And now I have written you a mini-novel! I wish you good luck. I hope there is improvement by the day. Kim :)

[@dorotheawiltshire6511]

Thank you, you explain things so well. Having gone into persistent AF last March. You are spot on. The only main problem I have now is that I get very breathless. But it is more tolerable then the proximal AF. Thank you for the wonderful videos, 💕💕🙏

[@animagix]

Thank you Doc. Discovered a bunch of your videos, since I was diagnosed with this two months ago. Look back at my watch data, I've had this for two years! I believe I have permanent Afib, my body seems to have adjusted since I've not had any episodes, or not any that I'm aware of. Since this diagnoses, I've cut out alcohol and carbs, exercise a bunch, cardio, weights and muay thai. I dont run out of gas as quick, and hoping to be rid of this via the natural method. I'm 44, never been hospitalized, no meds, not even aspirin. Just bad diet and alcohol binging on weekends.

[@DB-xo6xh]

Hello, 35 years old here. How was your diet before?

[@johnwhileydiana6783]

You are so clever and help everyone who is worried about this .

[@maryjanemikesic6981]

Thank you very informative! Your videos are a God send!

[@peggymicsky8607]

Hearing about AFIB and tolerating the medications are the worse part of my AFIB. That and the FEAR! AFIB doesn't really bother me. You help alot, you and your wonderful videos. Thanks, Doc! 💕

[@laticiaspears9092]

Thank you for making AFfb more understanding.

[@YorkCardiology]

thank you!

[@sl3763]

Yikes...scary to me! Thank you for putting out factual informaton... it is extremely helpful!!

[@bywydosh1873]

Thank you. Very reassuring 😊

[@MsFishingdog]

Great video. Thanks

[@YorkCardiology]

Thank you so much. I am also now doing short vids on Instagram as 'YORKCARDIOLOGY' and on facebook as '@yorkcardiologist'.I also have a Whatsapp broadcast list and if you would like to be notified of short videos please do let me know on [e-mail] Please consider subscribing and sharing:-)

[@gillmae5223]

Thank you so much for this video. I have worried about this for the last 11 years, - in fact ever since my a fib was diagnosed.

[@YorkCardiology]

thank you:-)

[@doncates2954]

As an individual who has been in permanent Afib for about four years, thank you for your videos. I am on rate control medication and seem to be doing well. The only way I know I am in Afib , is that I get tired a bit quicker than in the past. Don

[@karynita229]

Thank you for sharing your experience. What medication are you taking for the heart rate? My dad is in permanent afib the last 5 months taking Bisoprolol 5 mg/day and apixaban for the coagulation but nothing works.

[@Sfbaytech]

Thanks for sharing. My symptoms happen once every several years or longer where I have a sudden attack of crazy and fast heart rhythm. It sounds like I can expect the episodes to become more frequent as I get older. I’m 42 now and had 3 major episodes in my life so far where I called an ambulance but it resolved before they could diagnose. Is there any chance they will not get more frequent over time?

[@philipclinger8178]

Thank you for this video, Dr. Gupta. As you may have noticed I have commented several times concerning Atrial Flutter. Since I have no comorbities and feel fine ( with no symptoms ), yet I am diagnosed with Atrial Flutter, I will NOT be taking the Apixaban, nor will I consider ablation. We must remember that my diet is exceptional, so many organic greens with extra virgin, first cold pressed, organic olive oil, organic vinegar, etc. and I do get exercise almost every day, 1 - 3 miles. I am not overweight. What is sad is that my sister's daughter, 49 years of age, (I am 78Years of age), just had an ablation two days ago, 2/20/19, and everything seems to have gone wrong including her heart stopping SEVEN TIMES! As I type this, she is still in critical care in the hospital. How can you burn the inside of a person's atrial chamber and not expect horrendous Inflammation? Because of your percentage findings that people can live with this without much fuss, I will, thank you.

[@outdoorsman9384]

Hi Dr, thank you so much for you trying desperately to help the afib community,your certainly appreciated. Dr. I had this afib chronic now for 10 years. I have been into my health for my hole life, I am now 55, been lifting weights,playing all sports,service army,running and martial arts,since I got this afib it hurt my cardio part of my regimen.so I bulked up a bit,I'm still lifting weights ,walking and light martial arts.but I'm run down a lot from afib,making me tired a lot and not feeling great. I'm on three medications.any suggestions on my journey.thanks for all the help

[@davewilliams5453]

Thank you!

[@bernadettedra4478]

Hello Doctor, thanks so much for another great informative video. You are so kind and generous to share your knowledge. Bless your heart.💙💚💛💜

[@YorkCardiology]

thanks Bernadette

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Thanks so much Dr Gupta. Can you tell us what are the chances of me going back into paroxysmal Afib afetr an ablation? After 4 years of afib I had an ablation 6 months ago and so far I am fine. What is the likelihood of this being permenent?Your videos have been very helpful to me and many others. Thanks again.

[@cliffg4437]

Nice video. I can from personal experience assure those with "symptomatic" (i.e. awful!) paroxysmal AF that permanent AF is not as bad as you might expect judging by your paroxysmal AF. It takes some days, even weeks, for the heart to adjust to the permanent AF and you can eventually live with it more easily, especially with beta-blockers to reduce rate and reduce the strength of pumping. There is a technical reason for it which I'm not sure what it is, but I think it's something like hormonal adjustment, atrial naturietic peptide (ANP)? and others. It would be great if Dr G would cover why and what this mechanism is. Having said that, it can be a difficult period of adjustment from parox to perm, and I was extremely glad to have converted back to NSR, with that strange friend, amiodarone.

[@sahajtomar8404]

Hi, but doesnt permanent afib weakens the heart over period of time?

[@Sfbaytech]

Question - do you recommend the Apple Watch to do an ekg on the fly for people who have very rare attacks of afib?

[@SMX815]

A very good & precise feature on AF 😊

[@YorkCardiology]

thanks Simon

[@chandramowli1381]

Dr Gupta thanks a ton for this info. For someone who had an episode of AFIB (Paroxysmal) what are the chances that with diet and exercise one can prevent a further af episode from occurring

[@ellajones9787]

Thanks. I went into afib about a year ago. I'm not overweight, don't drink, don't smoke, and exercise regularly. I've had an ablation (which didn't hold) and am now on 2 rate medications plus a blood thinner. I know when the afib kicks in when my chest starts to hurt - a lot. My afib is triggered by sugar (no more donuts), dehydration, and eating too much. My doctor is talking about a 2nd ablation. We shall see.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

How are you doing?

[@Rossiegirl]

Thank you for this insight, I really appreciate it. Also, thank you so much once again for your sound advice during the consultation; so reassuring.

[@YorkCardiology]

Thank you so much. It was lovely chatting to you. I am also now doing short vids on Instagram as 'YORKCARDIOLOGY' and on facebook as '@yorkcardiologist'. Please consider subscribing and sharing:-)

[@goodtalker]

Hello. After about 3 years on permanent AFIB, I decided to under a cox produce and to also have a left rear appendage removal. Both were a success...until about two days later when I had a stroke! I was very unlucky. I am not so sure that I want to have my forthcoming ablation. It has only been three weeks for since my stroke. Thanks for reading.

[@karynita229]

Thank you for this information! My dad is in permanent Afib for the last 5 months. He is taking bisoprolol 5mg /day and apixaban for the coagulation, but nothing can reduce the heart rate (100-117). In this case, is it recommended to do the AV Node ablation?

[@talalaltalalvlogs5181]

doctor please answer my question! please for your lovely kid, i have normal heart I'm 30 years old male. will my pvcs lead to more types of palpitations or is it just normal and everyone gets them?

[@dr.madhurij3035]

Hello doctor... On tab.concor 1.25mg once daily since 1yr for palpitation...since then no episode. but I am continuing.shall I stop.becuase I am feeling muscular pains severe and tiredness..my all ECG...2D echo reports normal.my age is 42 yrs.Pls suggest.

[@Chipchase780]

I want to be reassured about persistent a/f if progressing to it from paroxysmal is inevitable, but I’d rather It be an avoidable outcome. My cardiologist said a/f is easier to treat in the paroxysmal phase, harder in the persistent phase. But the point is normal sinus rhythm can be achieved with both, and that’s what I hope for. I’ve had a successful ablation and hope I never progress to persistent because my a/fs were aggressive and I couldn’t live with that every minute of the day, life would be hell.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

How are you doing?

[@lindamcleary3938]

I wish you where my doctor your so helpful

[@libramoon2]

Thank you for this information.. its very helpful. Another query is this.. do stents affect AF.?? Mine seemed to come on after I had 3 stents fitted. Previous to this I had had ectopic heartbeats now and again......I find also that sleeping with knees up and pressing the tummy towards the ribs can affect this too.

[@YorkCardiology]

thanks!

[@gjamalford2687]

Informative

[@YorkCardiology]

Thank you so much. I am also now doing short vids on Instagram as 'YORKCARDIOLOGY' and on facebook as '@yorkcardiologist'.I also have a Whatsapp broadcast list and if you would like to be notified of short videos please do let me know on [e-mail] Please consider subscribing and sharing:-)

[@iluv_uman]

I would have thought higher BMI would be a factor in permanent AF.

[@valman008]

Thank you Dr. Gupta. I really appreciate that you cite your sources. My questions for you today is why aren’t all lone afib patients recommended for ablation when there still is a 1.3% chance of stroke and this risk goes up every year? I understand maintenance using anticoagulants but then there’s the risk of bleeding. Why not then recommend ablation? Also, does ablation remove the risk of stroke in lone afib patients? Thank you for your time Dr. Gupta.

[@allweeidris6218]

can i use OAC in Paroxysmal AF during AF period only and omit if sinus rhythm

[@puhelimentili805]

I suspect I might have this condition. It started two weeks ago, when my heart started racing in the middle of the night, and wakes me up, and I feel slightly dizzy... I bought a Holter monitor device from a company called wellvue. Still waiting for it to arrive so that I can record my heart rythm overnight. My cardiologist friend told me to record my heart when the symptoms happen and send her the recordings... Let's see how this goes.

[@kab7044]

My AF started after my Covid jabs. At first it was daily for 10 minutes to 6 hours. But I have noticed that my AF is not regular anymore, but maybe once a week or longer and it only last for maybe less than an hour. Thanks for these videos.

[@maireadmaccy4336]

Hmm🤔 we will never know if there is a connection. There has been a lot of afib after the vaccine....I wish they're was better research on it but cover-yourass-itis might come into play.🤔🤔🤔

[@maireadmaccy4336]

A lot of AFib after the jabs. I wonder will we ever know the truth? Wish we knew if there was a connection. My super healthy dad got afib a few weeks after his booster. He's due another booster soon and I'm like a basket case because I don't know if it's such a good idea now??😱😭😭

[@kab7044]

I suggest not getting another jab, Covid is not as dangerous as it was in the beginning, just my thought.

[@maireadmaccy4336]

@@kab7044 👌

[@shashimoghe3920]

Dr gupta sir parmanent afAb very important details provided thanks 05/12/2019

[@flannymcflynagan8081]

Mines getting worse everyday I went from once a month to 5 times a day. I'm taking beta blockers and high blood pressure meds . And it's getting worse I cant take blood thinners and I feel adrinaline rushes all the time like my body is trying to overcome the beta blockers. Idk if surgery will help I also have COPD IDK what to do ??? I wish I was in NY so I could have you as my Dr. I really need help.

[@jenniferbate9682]

He is in YORK U.K. not NY!

[@colleenc236]

So.. The worst outcome from having AF is a clot going to your brain or lungs? I know also over time the heart gets thicker and bigger right?

[@battletv777]

Does Zoloft solve Afib? Currently using it.and its gone away.

[@battletv777]

@@samuraineko3 after googling it, yep spot on and it assists heart beat.

[@andreford4994]

Thank you Dr Gupta for all you do. I do have a question. What if a person that has paroxysmal afib but are on medications(beta blockers and anticoagulants) will this affliction progress to persistent or permanent?

[@Fasizan]

Is permanent Afib treatable?

[@chrisw5742]

I have sick sinus syndrome tachy brady with a pacemaker. My cardiologist had me on Metroprolol. Well I felt like I wanted to die. Had to stop taking it 3 week ago. Cold turkey. I already had thyroid cancer and had that removed.

[@chrisw5742]

Had my neck fused c3-c7 3 years ago in the front. Went into afib in the spring and fell and broke my neck. Got the backside fused also.

[@ffup77]

Metroprolol is the worst. Given a shot during an episode of svt and brought my systolic way too low. Never felt so bad in my life.

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

@@ffup77 Agree. I was only on a very low daily dose but it kept me feeling just Wiped OUT! Took myself Off of them. But I still take my blood pressure meds and my blood-thinner.

[@williamlynch5325]

My name is Will and I have proxsimal AFIB and I take metroplolo twice a day and I just had my yearly heart check for my AFIB and I told my heart doctor that I have been haveing AFIB episodes at night so my heart doctor has got me on the Zio xt heart monitor for 2 weeks to see why I’m having theses episodes and wear it skips and pauses at night. Will lynchs

[@valman008]

Dr. Gupta, Do you know if the patients were surveyed? Were they asked about sleep apnea treatment or how often they exercised or medications used to treat their afib? Perhaps they could point out why some patients become persistent after 10 yrs and others don’t. Could it be just the way they’re managing their arrhythmia. Thanks again.

[@YorkCardiology]

i am sure lifestyle modification helps but i could not glean this from the paper

[@jenniferbate9682]

I’m in permanent afib now, and have been for 18 months Off and on, I feel so exhausted and breathless. Not nice .

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

So sorry to hear that. I was dx with AFib a little over 2 years ago. I have only had to go to the ER one time, which was the first episode. Knock Wood! With me it's up and down. I can go Months without any hint of AFib, and then again it can hit several times during one week! #UGH. Right now it's happening every few days. On the upside (if there really is an upside!) It seems that my Afib episodes are quite a bit milder than they used to be? My heart rate increases but NOT to Crazy HIGH numbers like at the beginning. It's mostly just a very erratic heart beat. And also, on the upside, my erratic heart beat itself isn't felt so strongly in my chest anymore. YAY! My first AFib woke me up out of a sound sleep at 3 O'clock in the morning! It felt like a wild animal was jumping around in my chest, is the best way I can describe it?.... Very frigging frightening! So that's all Pluses! If I ever progress to permanent AFib I most diffenetely will consider ablation! No Way would I want to Constantly deal with Afib! Are YOU considering ablation?🤔

[@jenniferbate9682]

@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I’m glad your afib is getting better…since my cardiologist changed my beta blocker, my afib seems to be improving, but I’ve put myself on a very low dose because I always seem to get side effects. My cardiologist doesn’t want me to have an ablation unless my leaking valve gets worse, so I’m hoping it’ll all have settled down by the next time I see him. Are you in the U.K.?

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

@@jenniferbate9682 No. I live in the States. I was also put on a beta-blocker, but for me it wasn't a good fit. Although it was only a low dose it left me feeling tired and wiped-out all the time. So I took myself off of it a few months ago. But I still keep some on hand, because when I experience AFib and it doesn't go away within an hour, then I usually take the beta-blocker. But I still take my blood thinner every day, and also always take my blood pressure med! The beta-blocker I was prescribed is called metoprolol. But like I said it made me feel sluggish! It works by blocking the beta cells in your heart, but it also blocks the beta cells thru-out your entire body! That means it lowers your metabolism way down. That's why I felt so tired all the time! So, Nope. I stopped taking them a few months ago. But as far as I know I don't have a leaky valve or anything. And my heart rate normally stays around 75 BPM. Otherwise, sluggish feeling or not, I would have stayed on the beta-blocker! I'm wishing you all the BEST!! What part of the UK do you live in? I live in the Big ole state of TEXAS over here!😉

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

@@jenniferbate9682 Oh I meant to add that I am very glad that the new beta blocker seems to be settling your Afib down. I can imagine that it's very annoying and probably causes you anxiety! So sorry. And the weird thing is that there really is no rhyme or reason why some folks develop Afib and yet most do not? Not even as they age. I really think mine is connected to the vagus nerve?🤔Bevause if when I am in Afib and I press down right where your ribs meet together and form the V, I can feel my pulse beating extremely strongly there. If I press down hard with my fingertips for a few seconds and then let up it seems to help my heart go back into normal rhythm. Especially if I repeat it for several times! You might want to give it a try? Just lie down and press in with fingertips together until you feel that pulse. Then hold the pressure for about 10-15 seconds and release. Repeat it a few times in a row and see if it starts working for you!😉

[@jenniferbate9682]

@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 thanks Gloria, I will try this. 😀

[@EdBenji]

I don't know how you would tolerate a heart rate of 120 for to long!

[@Lehmann108]

Clearly the awful experience of paroxysmal afib is not the same experience as persistent afib.

[@calltherussian]

How do you get Afib???

[@Wolfy-nz7vz]

Most likely it's a Genetic Condition inherited from your Forebears.

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

I think it's caused by many different things. Genetic could surely be one of them. Why our hearts suddendly decide to over-ride the natural pace-maker signals we have had since before birth is a mystery. For many I think it has to do with the vagus nerve connection? This doctor here has brought me peace of mind about it. Most days I never think about it at all. I just take my meds and get on with my day. Hopefully, I will not progress to permanent AFib. I don't think I would be able to deal with that very well. Would have to seriously consider an ablation at that point.

[@jesseleighbrackstone852]

Most people who find themselves in an ER, being administered Metoprolol (or some other beta blocker) intravenously, primarily want to know whether or not they’re going to die there. All other concerns are secondary. Blessings! 🙏🏻 Jesse.🌹

[@YorkCardiology]

thanks Jesse

[@jesseleighbrackstone852]

Not at all!🙏🏻

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

@@jesseleighbrackstone852 I know you are being serious, but you made me laugh!😅 Yes, that's the Primary concern alright!!😉