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Freda first noticed symptoms lying in bed at night. She had to visit her GP a number of times before she was referred to a cardiologist. Her AF symptoms got worse after a long chest infection. Freda takes aspirin, plus a statin for high cholesterol.
Freda is a retired administrator and married with two grown-up children. Ethnic background/nationality: Japanese.
Mary has had palpitations for many years caused by a hiatus hernia. A recent episode lasting 5 hours led to hospitalisation. Against her consultant's wishes, she decided not to have cardioversion. She is currently taking warfarin and beta-blockers.
Mary is a retired teacher. She is widowed with one adult child. Ethnic background/nationality: White European (Italian).
David has had paroxysmal AF since 1999. He has had electrocardioversion, chemical cardioversion, and two catheter ablations In the past he has taken bisoprolol, clopidogrel, warfarin and rivaroxaban but now takes apixaban, flecainide and amlodipine.
David is a retired technical services manager within the electronics engineering industry. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Glyn was diagnosed with AF 8 years ago. Catheter ablations, a pacemaker, and antiarrhythmic medication have failed to control his AF. Unable to work, Glyn suffers anxiety and depression. He is critical of the standard of care he has received.
Glyn is a warehouseman. He is married with three children, including a teenage son with special needs. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
An ablation restored sinus rhythm but Maggie still experiences arrhythmia and takes propafenone. Despite having had a minor stroke (TIA), she recently stopped taking aspirin after an intestinal bleed. AF has had a psychological impact on her life.
Maggie worked as a hotel manager but now works part-time as a medical receptionist. She is single. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Treatments for Eileen's AF have included cardioversion, pulmonary vein isolation ablation, a pacemaker, and AV node ablation. She takes warfarin and diltiazem but has had side effects from bisoprolol, flecainide, digoxin, and amiodarone.
Eileen is a retired nurse who is married with two adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Janet had experienced angina for 10 years but after a recent episode of breathlessness on holidays she was diagnosed with AF. She has been advised to take warfarin and to have a cardioversion. She is undecided and has deferred her decision.
Janet is a retired social worker. She is married with 5 adult children and lots of grandchildren. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
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.
Pauline is a retired housekeeper and lives with her partner. She has two grown-up children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Ginny underwent an ablation for atrial flutter but was then diagnosed with AF after an episode while mountaineering. She has taken warfarin and beta-blockers but is now drug-free after a successful catheter ablation.
Ginny is an artist and teacher. She is divorced. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Diagnosed with AF 11 years ago after an episode while scuba diving, Dave describes his symptoms as fairly mild'. Declining treatment with beta blockers, warfarin and cardioversion, he takes aspirin to minimise stroke risk.
Dave is a consultant engineer who frequently works abroad. He is divorced with three adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
