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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.
Jeni was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) after a major palpitation episode last year lasting 1.5 hours. Adenosine was used to regulate her rhythm. She is now taking beta-blockers (bisoprolol) while waiting for an ablation.
Jeni is a teacher. She is married. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Paul was diagnosed with AF after noticing a very high heart rate whilst exercising. His only symptom is a pain in his back during an episode of AF. He did take warfarin but now takes aspirin. He also takes a beta blocker called bisoprolol. He now has persistent AF.
Paul is a civil servant and married with one grown-up son. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Bob was diagnosed with AF after 9 years of symptoms. Bob had 2 unsuccessful ablations, but a third ablation worked and Bob does not currently have AF. He still takes warfarin.
Bob is married and has two grown up sons. He is retired from the banking sector, but is still keenly involved in motorsport. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Chris had years of AF attacks on medication that did not suit him. Two years ago, helped by the Atrial Fibrillation Association, he got referred to a specialist hospital and had an ablation. He now feels well. He takes flecainide and aspirin daily.
Chris is married and retired from his job as an electronics engineer in the aerospace industry. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Elisabeth is permanently in AF. Despite medical advice she took aspirin rather than warfarin for many years. She now takes dabigatran which she believes is a more efficient blood thinner. Other medications include digoxin, bisoprolol and candesarten.
Elisabeth worked in the voluntary sector as an editor before her retirement. She is married with 3 adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
