Question:
Looking for post op's with the heart condition known as A FIB.

My 65 year old Dad is having surgery in Aug.he has heart condition, A Fib. Wondering if any one cares to share any information they may know about this and how they did while being "under"? Thanks group~    — Maggie M. (posted on July 28, 2003)

July 29, 2003
Afib is a condition that causes the atria of the heart to flutter, or beat at an irregular rhythm. The contractions are not strong enough so blood can sit in the atria and form clots. The ventricles beat at a regular rhythm unless a condition known as atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is present, and the heart rate would be above 140 beats per minute. In this case, an anti-arrhythmic would have to be used to slow the heart rate down. Is the a chronic condition? Some people have it all the time and others just have episodes. The big problem with afib is that blood can pool in the atria and form clots which in turn may be circulated to other parts of the body, which can have dire consequences. Most people with this condition are on a blood thinner such as coumadin, which has to be stopped prior to surgery due to risk of bleeding. This needs to be addressed with the surgeon so he may explain how he is going to handle this. And it is a condition which can be dealt with. Since blood clots are a concern with any type of abdominal surgery, your father and you should discuss this with his surgeon to put your mind at ease. Hope this helps.
   — Shannon B.