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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Atrial Fibrillation

My husband (70) went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. What should I be looking for. What is his risk of sudden death? He has been Very Proud of not taking any medicine and tries very hard to be healthy. He started taking Toprol XL yesterday. I fear he may become depressed because he can no longer brag about his good health. He does not have high blood pressure. Will this medicine slow him down too much.
Fri, 8 Jun 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Atrial fibrillation is probably the most common arrhythmia among people and is no need to worry. It may come from many sources like cardiac , pulmonary issues etc, or it may be without any known cause.
I recommend you to go to a cardiologist and do some examinations like ECG, cardiac sonography which is very important and serves to see if the arrhythmia has been for long or short time . If there are no changes in cardiac chambers (atrium), it may need anticoagulant drugs for some time and the doctor may try cardio version with medications or electrical to restore sinus rhythm. If this is not possible he would take medications to control rate of the heart and chronic anticoagulation.
There is no need for panic.
I wish you all the best!

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Suggest Treatment For Atrial Fibrillation

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Atrial fibrillation is probably the most common arrhythmia among people and is no need to worry. It may come from many sources like cardiac , pulmonary issues etc, or it may be without any known cause. I recommend you to go to a cardiologist and do some examinations like ECG, cardiac sonography which is very important and serves to see if the arrhythmia has been for long or short time . If there are no changes in cardiac chambers (atrium), it may need anticoagulant drugs for some time and the doctor may try cardio version with medications or electrical to restore sinus rhythm. If this is not possible he would take medications to control rate of the heart and chronic anticoagulation. There is no need for panic. I wish you all the best!