I'm in my third A-fib attack right now when it first hit does anyone have panic? it's absolutely terrifying to me and here are some of my symptoms my heart starts to race for a little while it feels a lot of fluttering in my chest and my throat and after I calm down and take some medicine my heart just keeps fluttering like an irregular heartbeat I had to get zapped to put it in Rhythm last time I think I could feel it coming on what do you do before an attack if you know what's its coming on if you could please put what you feel when it start and if you feel panic and do I just lay around the house or do I do activities thanks for your input
Af is the worst thing I have ever had trust me I have had it four years its evil take a puff on the gym spray panic anxiety is so normal try and control your breathing i listen to relaxation cds when it kicks in.Just lay flat on bed or sofa wait for it to subside.if you have a Samsung android phone get the Samsung health app.it does co2 levels heart rate also stress.dont know what your cardiologists has said to you about your af but if in doubt persue a verdict also get your meds sorted .I know af is a basta÷d good luck
I take fast acting Dilitiazem (Cardizem) when the attack starts and so far it brings my HR down close to 100. You might speak to your doctor about that. Others, use a different pill in pocket approach and take Flecanide to try and convert right away. Again talk to your doctor. Don't know if either would help before the attack.
Thanks for your reply it sure is something to get used to I don't think I ever can get used to it I hope you're feeling better this thread really helps a lot
Hi Derrick, I hope you're feeling much better now? I agree AFib is terrifying. I've had AF since 2011 and it took some getting used to as I was always calling the ambulances out every time I had an attack. But, it was a paramedic that put my mind at ease and gave me the confidence to manage it. I can only speak for myself because every one is different in how they deal with an AF episode. The paramedic told me that I didn't always have to go to hospital and that I should just sit down and try and relax or watch the telly while the AF settles down. For me, it worked. However, if it doesn't settle then I call for an ambulance. I think because the paramedic gave me reassurance and confidence which in turn made me less afraid, I was and still am able to deal with the AF. Learning relaxation techniques and breathing from the diaphragm is also helpful in reducing anxiety. Best Wishes, Penny
Thanks for you are advice I will talk to my doctor and see if there's something I can take when it first hits I see him Thursday morning and it can't come soon enough thanks again
Thanks it's settled down but it's still there I'm still in AFib it is very terrifying I will try to relax next time it happens I hope it doesn't happen but if it does thanks again
I don't have actual panic attacks but I certainly get very concerned and often stay home instead of go anywhere.
I guess I'm almost past the panic stage, panic doesn't help, does it.
No it doesnt but im not there yet maybe one day thanks for you reply 
Just remember that although it is uncomfortable it will not kill you.
Having Dilitiazem at home or with me gives me the confidence that I don't have to the emergency room just because I have an attack. The Dilitizem works primarily on rate and the Flecanide works to normalize the rhythm. Different approaches. Depending on your age and health, they may want you to take a stress test before taking Flecanide, at least that's what they told me.
The other thing you might want to think about is getting the Kardia Mobile or Kardia Band device. It allows you to take a quick EKG at home in a minute or so. You can then either let Kardia analyze the results or email them to your doctor. Last year I was sent home from the hospital still in afib after a failed cardioversion. Two days later the Kardia Mobile told me I was back in normal sinus rhythm. What a relief! I probably wouldn't have known it until the next time I saw my doctor. You think you know when you're in afib or not, but sometimes very hard to tell especially if you have benign ectopic beats.
Jim
I agree in principle that afib by itself will not kill you, but if a very high rate accompanies the afib, you could end up in a lot of trouble if you don't bring down the rate in a reasonable period of time. In this case you either have to bring down the rate yourself if you have something like Dilitizem at home, convert yourself with a PIP like Flecanide, or head to the Emergency room.
Jim
Jim
Hey Derrick, I was just in afib for a minute 99bpm and went back to normal a minute later and it goes back and fourth for about 10 minutes and back to normal rhythm. Just take a deep breath, relax, and continue your day doing whatever you can to keep busy. If you pay to much attention it will get worse. It sucks that we have to go through this but we are the lucky ones I guess lol. I went 7 months without afib and since April of this year I have gotten atrial flutters 3 times a week and sometimes once a day every day. Afib has a mind of its own and comes and goes has it please. Just hang in there and find the right mix of meds to fight this beautiful thing called afib. Take care.
Thanks for you reply Im trying to stay calm Im still in it hope after I fall asleep it goes back . Its just such a bad feeling I have a doctor appt Thursday morning You can bet Im asking a ton of questions Thanks for your Advice It really does help
Push push push don't let the go fob you off like I did at ist.mention echo cardio gram that will show what it's doing also mention cardio version and ablation.if another comes on and you are scared ring 998 they would rather deal with a false alarm than to leave it .are you on bisopradol amiodrone and any sort of statin.remember derrick it's you that has af not your gp
Morning jimjames I agree in principal with af won't kill you.for me it gave me a ha and 4 cardiac arrests all in the same day.a day before I was due my cardio version. On my last bmp it was 304 I now have a icd fitted which monitors my af 24-7
Are you the same popeye who was a painter and used to post here previously ?
If you watch the Sanjay Gupta video's on you tube he always says it is not AF that causes strokes and heart attacks but the company it keeps.
I completely understand about the feeling that afib brings. It’s absolutely horrifying.l and most people don’t understand because they have no idea how we feel. I’m seeing an electrophysiologist in 2 weeks. I’m 39 years old and I first got struck with these irregular beats at age 36. It took me a while to be where I’m at today. First, I went through depression, anxiety, and depression again but now I’m good because I understand what afib, atrial flutter, pvcs, skipped beats and so on. So many terms it’s crazy. Keep me informed and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. What meds are you taking? How old are you and how often do you get the afib? I also excercise 6 days a week in the form of mountain biking and it helps a lot. Let me know. Take care.
Thanks for your reply I'm 51 years old had an attack 6 years ago and then two weeks ago wound up in the hospital they zapped me back in and then 2 weeks later back into AFib where I still am I'm just on Eliquis right now I see my doctor tomorrow and we'll set up a plan of action when I first start to go in afib though I get a panic attack I am hysterical think I'm going to die and then at once I settle down my heart beat goes good and it just skips everywhere flutters hard to sleep it's terrifying for me ive just been laying in Bed for 2 days waiting to see the doctor i dont feel like doinf anything .. Thanks again for your reply
Thanks for you reply just on eloquest I go to the doctor tomorrow I'm still in afib it's been a day and a half ive been sleeping alot I'm sure he'll want more test when I get there Thursday, its the feeling of afib that is so unsettling I wont leave my house im afraid . Thanks again