When to head to the ER for Afib?

[Uboat]

I have mostly PACs and PVCs like most of us here, but occasionally I have Afib that self converts after a few hours. However last summer I had a run that made me dizzy and frightened so I went to the ER about 4 hours into it. I converted there about 5 hours later. Question is, how many hours can you be in Afib without seeking medical attention? I've heard that stroke risk kicks in a full 48 hours after onset. That seems awful long to me. Even though I have good insurance, I got a whopping out of pocket expense for all of tests they ran.

[heartlee]

26 yrs old resently got dx with afib unknown cause echo and stress test was great. Went to the er a month ago received electro cardioversion just wondering how long is too long for a episode hr is in 150

[Uboat]

I think because of my age <65 and generally good heart rate, structure and treadmill test performance, 81mg seems to suffice.

Most of my long palpitation runs are PVCs, I think. I test them by getting up and going for a brisk walk. If the sensations lessen or go away, I assume, correctly I hope that it isn't Afib.

If I'm in a sustained run of actual Afib I could always pop two baby aspirin as a safeguard, no?

[PikaPika88]

I think no one runs A-Fib episode shorter than mine.  My cardio said, mine A-Fib is shorter than 1 minute in each episode.  I got the pacemaker to pace it out straight away when it detected.  Otherwise it'll travel through the accessory pathway (AV node ablated) to the ventricle.  My cardio said I don't need to be on blood thinner or heart med.  I don't need to go to ER either.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

I think that the amount of time waiting really depends on your symptoms and rate. There are many who live in chronic afib.

I'm surprised by the strength of ASA you were told to take. If you have recurrent episodes of afib you may want to ask your Dr why he hasn't suggested a full strength aspirin. I take 325mg every day (gives me some peace of mind).

[twinbee]

For me it depends on how bad the episode. I had a rapid afib and flutter and when it went over 200 I would go to the ER after about 2 hours (I am on coumadin). However if I felt dizzy and had chest pains I would go immediately.

[Uboat]

81mg Aspirin. I also take fish oil. I recall when I was in this Afib episode my rate was in the 150s. That's very high for me. If I have a run of SVT, which happens some mornings if I was bad the night before, my rate will be around 100-110. My normal rate is 64.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

I wait about 4-5 hours and depending on how high my rate is (if I am over 200, I don't waist any time, I just go).

Are you on Coumadin or at least a daily aspirin?