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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had A-fib. Heart In Sinus Rhythm. Prescribed Flecainide. Suggest?

I have had a-fib since Dec 18. On Jan 8 a cardioversion was done. The a-fib had returned by Feb 15. I was referred to another dr. who prescribed flecainide on Feb 22 with plan to do another cardioversion on Feb 25. However, when I went in for the procedure today my heart was in sinus rhythm . He did not do the cardioversion and told me to stay on flecainide 100mg/AM and 50mg/PM. However I have been doing internet research on flecainide and am concerned. What can you tell me?
Sat, 2 Mar 2013
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

It is well known that Flecainide is an effective drug but it also has adverse effects.

The use of cardioversion is limited to the time of fibrillation only / and the effect is temporary.

If you are concerned, there are other advanced treatment modalities - like RF ablation, which could be done during Electro Physiological Studies (EPS) > it resembles angio – a catheter is put inside the heart / electrical activity recorded / stimulation and suppression tests are carried out / suitable medicine tested and so on. Though the procedure is the gold standard, it is INVASIVE and has a risk (though minimal) and is not generally done unless there are compelling indications.
This super-speciality expert is called ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGIST.
The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation.

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
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Had A-fib. Heart In Sinus Rhythm. Prescribed Flecainide. Suggest?

Hi friend, Welcome to Health Care Magic It is well known that Flecainide is an effective drug but it also has adverse effects. The use of cardioversion is limited to the time of fibrillation only / and the effect is temporary. If you are concerned, there are other advanced treatment modalities - like RF ablation, which could be done during Electro Physiological Studies (EPS) it resembles angio – a catheter is put inside the heart / electrical activity recorded / stimulation and suppression tests are carried out / suitable medicine tested and so on. Though the procedure is the gold standard, it is INVASIVE and has a risk (though minimal) and is not generally done unless there are compelling indications. This super-speciality expert is called ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGIST. The treating doctor may suggest them depending on need, based on his assessment of the situation. Take care Wishing speedy recovery God bless Good luck