Pauline
Pauline had her first episode of AF four years ago and was diagnosed in hospital. Two years later, Pauline had another episode and her medication was changed from bisoprolol to sotalol; she also takes aspirin. She has not had an episode for over two years.
auline has always had problems with indigestion. Four years ago she got up in the morning and felt dizzy, and had palpitations that did not stop. She lives in sheltered accommodation and used the community alarm in her house to call for an ambulance. She was taken to hospital where she had an ECG and was prescribed bisoprolol. She stayed in hospital for a few days. She found that the bisoprolol (a beta blocker) slowed her down a bit. She was quite relieved when she was told she had AF, as her mother had a heart attack at quite a young age, and she was worried it could be that. Pauline knew about AF because she had heard on the news that Tony Blair had it, and felt reassured that he was able to continue with his usual life. She believes AF is related to her indigestion problems, and also wonders whether the summer heat affected her in some way.
Pauline was symptom-free for two years, but then one night had an episode of rapid heartbeat (220 beats per minute) and palpitations. Pauline went into hospital again, and her medication was changed to sotalol. She also had a cardioversion under general anaesthetic. She says that when she woke up afterwards she felt immediately better. She wore a mobile heart rate monitor while she was in hospital.
Pauline sees her cardiologist once a year, and is very happy with the care she receives. At her last appointment, she had a routine ultrasound of her heart and did a treadmill test. This involved her heart rate and rhythm being monitored while the treadmill speed was increased. Afterwards, the nurse kept her lying down until her heart rate was back to normal and she could go home.
She describes an episode of AF like running a marathon, but not being able to slow your heart rate down no matter what you do. She was told that her first episode was atrial fibrillation and her second was tachycardia (where the heart beats too fast, but is not erratic as it also is with AF). Pauline says for her, the tachycardia felt the same as the AF. Pauline also has low blood pressure, but finds eating a banana helps her to feel better.
Pauline takes 75mg of aspirin daily, is still on sotalol, and also takes frusemide (a diuretic). Pauline has not had an episode of AF for over two years now. She says she would be afraid to stop taking her medication, but is not concerned about the future. She eats healthily, and avoids large amounts of caffeine or fatty foods, as she finds these can trigger her palpitations.
Pauline advises people with AF not to worry, as it can be treated in a number of ways. She does not belong to a support group, but advises people to join one and share their experiences if they are worried about their AF.
Interview held 29.12.11