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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Heart & Cardiology > atrial fibrillation in a 37 yr old male
Heart & Cardiology - atrial fibrillation in a 37 yr old male
Expert: David Richardson - 11/1/2009
Question
Hello,
I'm a 37 year old male, 5'11", 215 lbs with normal BP and suffering from GERD for which I take Nexium 40mg.
About 2 months ago I went to the ER with palpitations and found I was in atrial fib. I spontaneously converted in about 6 hrs with no meds. Since that time I had an increased number of pacs and pvcs but no other afib until yesterday. I woke up at 3am and went to the er. They gave me 2 doses of diltiazem and 1 dose of metoprolol before i converted about 6.5 hrs total.
I saw an electrophysiologist yesterday before all this happened and he said that having had only the one episode he didn't want me to take any meds except asa for the time being. Unfortunatley I went into afib 12 hrs later.
What do I do now? My EP said ablation was not an option at this point and would not be for years but I'm afraid of this progressing. What can I do to prevent this? Both times I'd had alcohol and a big meal before bedtime and I've been trying to eliminate these triggers. I start getting ectopics when my HR gets below 70 (like lying down to sleep). What about supplements any benefit to any of those?
Thanks for your input
Answer
Dear Montos,
Flecainide is effective in preventing or getting rid of atrial fib. You'll need an echocardiogram before taking flecainide. So far as I know, supplements are no help. Please go back to the EP doc.
Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions.
David Richardson
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