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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Atrial Fibrillation Curable?

I am a 64 year old female in what I thought in pretty good health. I am taking Toprol for blood pressure among other vitamins etc. A week ago, while on vacation, I notice I was having an irregular heartbeat and was getting dizzy while standing. I have had pvc in the past and they would go away when I stopped caffeine. My cardiologist told me today that the EKG done i his office a few minutes ago I was in v fib. He said if we had caught this within 48 hours of its beginning, shock could have helped. This afternoon he has put me on Pradaxa for he feels I may have formed a clot in the heart. My pulse irregular is about 80 beats a minute. He has scheduled an echo and stress test tomorrow. There are so many questions I have and did not ask. Is this condition treatable, am I being ultra scared that I think I will die very soon from the silent killer , what about stokes? I know you may not be able to answer this questions, but any information may help. Also, would a couple shots of Scotch hurt?
Mon, 27 Jun 2016
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Dear Mrs,

If it is the first time and there will be no significant abnormalities on your echo, then it is possible to try to restore your sinus rhythm. But you have to take prafaxa for about a month before the cardiovestion to be protected from stroke.
Don't panic, nowadays thousands of people live with atrial fibrillation for years and have normal life. The major adverse events of atrial fibrillation are strokes, but when people take blood thinners appropriately, the risk is minimum especially when there are no other risk factors.
I would advise you to avoid alcohol for some time

Take care

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Is Atrial Fibrillation Curable?

Dear Mrs, If it is the first time and there will be no significant abnormalities on your echo, then it is possible to try to restore your sinus rhythm. But you have to take prafaxa for about a month before the cardiovestion to be protected from stroke. Don t panic, nowadays thousands of people live with atrial fibrillation for years and have normal life. The major adverse events of atrial fibrillation are strokes, but when people take blood thinners appropriately, the risk is minimum especially when there are no other risk factors. I would advise you to avoid alcohol for some time Take care Come back if you have further questions