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Real members of MyHeartDiseaseTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
March 20, 2025
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3 Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation Read Article...
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Talk with your Doctor and ask if you should be taking anything. When I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AFIB in 2019 I had a Rapid Ventricular Response (RVR) and heart rate was at 165. I had two incidents like this with 2 days of the first diagnosis. On the second time the ER doctor gave me a beta blocker. When I did follow-up with my Primary Care doctor, he prescribed a Beta Blocker and Eliquis. I was doing great for about 2 years, and I had another event and they had me do a nuclear stress test. The results of that showed my heart was fine. Sent home with same medications. Two years later I had a tooth infection that caused the heart to go into AFIB (RVR). At the ER they monitored it and noticed the heart was in Tachy-Brady syndrome. Once stabilized I was discharged. Within an hour of being home I went into AFIB (RVR) again and back to the ER. At this point the doctors called in the specialist (EP) that felt that the beta blocker wasn't the best choice and spent 5 days in the hospital with a new medication in the antiarrhythmic class (Dofetilide). This drug was focusing on the rhythm of my heart. Three months later they did an ablation and also measured the heart to see if I was a candidate for the Amulet or the Watchmen. Unfortunately, I wasn't a candidate for the occlusion device but so far, no more AFIB. I am off the Dofetilide and just taking Eliquis. The ablation happened in October 2023. So, to answer your question is if your heart isn't beating out of your chest which you will feel this, and it occasionally is out of rhythm then it doesn't sound like you need anything other than protection of a potential stroke (clots).

March 21, 2025
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Now, it will depend on how often you have the AFIB. If you don't have it often then no you probably don't need anything else right now. Your doctor will prescribe what you need so discuss this with them!

March 21, 2025
MyHeartDiseaseTeam

For paroxysmal AFib, medications are typically used to control both heart rate and rhythm. While Eliquis (a blood thinner) helps prevent blood clots and reduce stroke risk, there are additional medications that can help manage AFib episodes.

Common medications used to control AFib include beta-blockers to slow heart rate Show Full Answer

For paroxysmal AFib, medications are typically used to control both heart rate and rhythm. While Eliquis (a blood thinner) helps prevent blood clots and reduce stroke risk, there are additional medications that can help manage AFib episodes.

Common medications used to control AFib include beta-blockers to slow heart rate, and anti-arrhythmic drugs to maintain normal heart rhythm. Digoxin can help control resting heart rate, while calcium channel blockers can slow heart rate and reduce heart muscle contraction strength. It's important to discuss your current treatment plan with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate whether additional medications would be beneficial based on your specific symptoms and medical history. In addition to medications, lifestyle modifications like avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine, reducing stress, maintaining physical activity, and following a heart-healthy diet can help reduce AFib episodes.

March 20, 2025

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