Re: Fear Of Heart Attack
Okay, first let's discuss AF for a moment. If you were formally diagnosed with AF, is it further classified as paroxysmal AF or Lone Atrial Fibrillation (LAF) ?
Tell me about the frequency please.
To belay your fears, it's rather important to realize that the variant of AF is critically important to measuring relative risk.
Paroxysmal AF usually terminates on its own, typically within 24 hours, but can be as much as 5 to 7 days. Lone Atrial Fibrillation(LAF) is the presence of AF in the diagnostic absence of an underlying cause such as heart disease.
A third variant not discussed is chronic AF and as it's named, tends to be persistent and requires cardioversion in most cases to restore normal sinus rhythm, although spontaneous recovery does occur at times.
My opinion, based upon your posting, is that this is LAF and the prognosis for cases originating in all patients under 65 is actually quite good indeed. Medications are available that reduce and regulate heart rate and rhythm and as discussed, the absence of an underlying pathology is cause for relief from fears that it will somehow terminate your life early. Not the case here. Since your diagnostic tests reveal no underlying disease, then you can take a breath and relax.
The regimen of Lipitor is a good decision if the results of your Lipid profile warrant treatment. Remember that diet and exercise influence your cholesterol ratios, as well as your BMI. These are all part of lifestyle adjustments that will keep you healthy, so don't look upon the situation as a liability, but rather as a benefit from the ability to significantly reduce risk factors that 25 years ago, weren't possible. Genetics plays the most significant role here and with advances in technology and pharmacology, patients are beating the odds with a great deal of success.
So the response here is to embrace treatment that reduces risk factors, take great diligence in your diet and exercise habits and you can relax regarding the sudden onset of a cardiovascular event. Your AF, by diagnostic evaluation, is non-invasive and limited. So break out a smile and work on those risk factors to ensure a long and healthy life to share with those children of yours.
You'll be just fine.
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Best regards and Good Health