Afib with variable response

[tiggercat513]

Monday I had an episode of Afib that sent me to the ER. Severely SOB, heart pounding, weak, dizzy, pale, and sweaty. No chest pains. I have a history of heart disease with 3 MI, and ICD for low EF and Vtach. Last MI was April 2006. They interrogated my device and found Afib with variable ventricular response. I was put on amioderone 400mg twice a day and have an appt with doc on Tuesday. I have noticed more angina since the Afib and I am wondering if this is a sign of anything or if this is normal recovery. I am also wondering what questions to ask the doc. He is head of cardiology at the hospital so I want to make this visit as time efficient and productive as possible.

thanks, Lynne

[tiggercat513]

Yes the symptoms were associated with the Afib. The tech said the atrial rate was 400 to 600 bpm. I wonder if the symptoms are due to the Afib or the v-response? I was in Afib once before, years ago after being defibrillated. It felt about the same. I will ask about ablation.

thanks, Lynne

[Jerry_NJ]

You case is very complicated, I opened and read because of the "AFib" part with which I have some experience.  

If the onset of severe symptoms were accompanied/associated with the AFib I'd ask what can be done to stop the AFib.. e.g., Ablation surgery.  You are on the "strong stuff" medication wise so there isn't anything stronger other than higher dose... may have problems with amioderone.  

Looking back at your post, I think AFib with variable V-response is normal.  That is what "rate control" is about in the treatment of AFib, taking drugs to limit the V-response to the atrial fibrillation signals.  This seems to me to be more critical if one is already prone to VTach.