Hi Doc,
Background to my situation:
29 y/o male - about 3 weeks ago i woke up at 5am with an irregular heartbeat. I went to the docs as soon as it opened and did an ecg which showed a resting heart rate of 183 and afib.
He referred me to a cardiologist the same day, who i saw about an hour later. He confirmed atrial fibrillation and said he had to admit me to ICU as he had to shock my heart (cardioversion?). Anyway i am quite overweight - 140kgs and have high BP. When i went to see the Cardiologist my BP was 165/110 and gave me a stat dose of Xanax (at my request), asprin, and betablockers (cant remember which ones).
I was then admitted to the ICU where i remained for 4-5 hours. The cardio then informed me that he did not have to do the shock treatment as one of the beta blockers had put my heart rythym back to normal. I was also given a blood thinner (heparin?). I was then transferred to a normal room and discharged the next day. Prescribed asprin/Glycerine for thenext 42 days and Diovan 160.
The doctor tells me that i had Holiday Heart Syndrome (not helped by the fact that i am overweight and have high BP) as for the 7 days prior to this i had been drinking heavily every day, and eating badly. I have since made a complete lifestyle change, lost 4kgs, stopped drinking, eating properly etc. My BP has fallen to avg of 124/78 over the last week. My questions are as follows:
1. I do not feel 100% comfortable with my cardiologist as his first response was to give me the cardioversion when it is clear that medication can solve the problem without this treatment. It would also seem that it can resolve itself. Would you agree?
2. Do you think my treatment was over the top?
3. I am committed to living 'heart healthy' going forward, but i do enjoy a couple of beers every now and then with friends. Is it ok to do this? Will I retrigger this by having a few drinks or will it take a big binge again?
Many thanks
J