What are the questions you should ask your AFIB doctor?
It is important to ask the right questions when you have those few moments with your AFIB doctor.
My problem was that I forgot the questions!
Sometimes I did make a list on a small piece of paper and fired away with all my questions. It helped me tremendously.
But that’s not all! The doctor asked me some questions that I was not sure off. Like what does my family heart history look like?
The questions on my “AFIB appointment” form are not the only questions you can ask or be asked, but it is a very good start. It will make you think. Then jot down how and why your AFIB starts (if there is any apparent reason or none).
It will help with your own “assessment” and with getting the most out of your doctor’s appointment.
Things you could do right away!
You can eat and drink in a more AFIB friendly way. One of the best ways to go caffeine free is to start drinking Rooibos tea.
Below you will find my “AFIB doctor appointment questionnaire”
There is a link below the questionnaire where you can download it, hopefully it’s printable, it’s the first time I link a PDF. Any comments are welcome.
Date and Time of AFIB appointment: …………………………………………………….
Dr/Cardiologist/EP: Name: ………………. Phone/Email of Dr: ..………………………
Questions your doctor may ask you. | |
Any family heart history? | |
When did symptoms start? | |
Do you know your regular pulse rate? | |
What was your highest/lowest pulse rate? | |
How long does an AFIB attack last? | |
List of medication, chronic and acute. | |
Does AFIB come after caffeine (coffee/sports drink/energy drink) intake? | |
Does the AFIB come after alcohol intake? | |
Any major stresses in your life | |
Describe what your AFIB attack feels like? | |
Questions to ask your doctor. | |
What is causing my symptoms/condition? | |
Are there any restrictions, dietary, exercise or other that I need to know of. | |
What level of physical activity should I take part in? | |
I have other health conditions. How must I manage them? | |
What type of treatment is best for my situation. Rate or Rhythm control? | |
If you smoke, are obese, have high blood pressure or suffer from sleep apnoea,
inform your doctor, and ask his opinion. |
|
What is my CHADS2-VASc score, and what is my risk of stroke? | |
If I need to take medicine, what are the alternatives and side effects? | |
I want more information: Websites to visit? | |
Can dehydration cause AFIB, or be a trigger? “Holiday Heart Syndrome” | |
3 Things I can do right now? | |
Eat right! | |
Drink right! | |
Stress Less, breathe in deep, relax! You can win this! Tell me how. |
Use the link below to download the questions for your AFIB doctor.
Question from and for your Dr about AFIB 2
Please leave a comment and mention a few questions that you think are important.
very useful!
Thanks so much
Elizabeth
Pleasure! Hope it helps.
New Afib age 62 my confusion or question does Afib happen in sleep or rest or mainly in an active state? I ask this because I don’t feel Afib usually at rest and this Afib just popped up after I had the flu this year. I have had heart palpitations all my life but had a bad multi episode that led to a doc diagnose me with Afib after a crazy eco test no other problems.
Hi Jeff
My own experience was that I only got AFIB when I was awake. It has never happened to me while I was sleeping. I will try and do some research on it.
Maybe some readers can comment on their experiences.
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
I was diagnosed with AFib in 2017. I’d had “extra Beats” for many years but nothing like this. I have AFib episodes quiet often and almost all of mine (at least 90%) wake me from a sound sleep. The day time ones all begin when I’m relaxed and resting…like watching TV.
I have lost over 30 pounds since the diagnosis and become more active. I exercise regularly getting at least 30 minutes of Cardio a day. I recently rejoined the YMCA and began a Senior Movement class. The last three times that we worked the arms and core I had AFib episodes that night.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Hi Jeannie
Thx for the comment/question.
I hope you get a few responses.
Janco
Hi there, I have just today come across you website its really good to be in touch with others suffering the same thing. I read something today that put my mind at ease and that was explaining about the vagus nerve. I sort of stress out when my heart beats a bit out of its normal rate especially when coming upstairs. I have had an irregular heart beat for 14yrs and take bisoprolol for it. I am on edge even to go anywhere in case it starts. You would think I would have gotten used to it by now! I am also suffering from CFS/fibromalgia but my doctor says I am healthy. Thank you for your info it is encouraging to hear from others.
Hi Linda
Thank you for your comment and encouragement.
Janco
I do alot of vitamins and supplements related to heart issues .afib and swollen heart.
IS THIS SAFE??
Thank you for this awesome, informative website! I will certainly feel more knowledgable of the proper questions to ask my afib doctor. Blessings to all of us out there will this uninvited abnormality in our lives!
Stress less, smell the Rose’s, & enjoy life, my afib buddies.
Lori P
Florida
Hi Lori
Thx for the wonderful comment.
Janco
thank you for this website,i am very interested in all the news on afib
all the research i can get on afib will be helpfull
Will it be ok for me to eat smoked mackrel
Hi Grace
At first, it sounded like a strange question. But I see there has been some doubt about the effect of fish oil on AFIB.
I’m not an expert and also not a doctor. I have come across these studies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2838232/
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/news/20140930/fish-oil-supplements-have-little-effect-on-irregular-heartbeat-study
https://www.medpagetoday.com/resource-centers/atrial-fibrillation/whatif-anythingdo-fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids-have-do-atrial-fibrillation/941
In the last study this comment was made “Right now, the jury is still out as to whether higher intake of fish or fish-derived fatty acids decreases the risk of atrial fibrillation in the general population,” said Dr. Alonso.
I would say the best thing to do is consult your doctor so that he can explain the results of the studies in relation to your specific situation.
Janco
Thank you very much this article has been very eye-opening to me I have an appointment with new cardiologist on January 26, 2021 certainly gives me a better idea of how to approach this appointment again
thank you very much
Lori P., Fl