Never Dull: Greetings From AFib

The life of a CTEPHChronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension CTEPH is short for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, a rare form of high blood pressure in the lungs caused by blood clots or narrowed blood vessels. High blood pressure in the lungs is often also called pulmonary hypertension. patient is never dull. We have a new situation, a new sub-challenge. This morning I was told that I had an episode of atrial fibrillation (also called AFib, A-fib, or AF) and that treating it is probably a good idea.

What is AFib?

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Afib is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. For many people, A-fib may have no symptoms. However, A-fib may cause a fast, pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath or weakness.

On Monday, at the beginning of my 3rd BPABalloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Balloon pulmonary angioplasty, or BPA for short, is a technique for widening narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the lungs of CTEPH patients. Small balloons attached to a catheter restore blood flow to areas of the lungs that do not receive blood due to the disease.  When successful, BPA eliminates or reduces shortness of breath, increases exercise tolerance and quality of life, and extends life expectancy. session, the doctors mentioned an episode of AFib. That was the first time I heard about AFib in connection with my health (health may be an overstatement in my case).

Yesterday I went for an electrocardiogram (EKG) which confirmed the diagnosis of AFib. After consulting with an AFib specialist, my doctor suggested treatment.

Ever since Monday’s BPA procedure, I noticed unusually low SpO2Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) The oxygen saturation (SpO2) of a person's blood is defined as a percentage of the maximum amount (100%) of oxygen it can transport. A healthy person's SpO2 percentage should be between 96% and 99%. - Source: What is oxygen saturation (SpO2)? What is the normal range for SpO2??. Retrieved 11 November 2022, from ihealthlabs.com percentages. The opposite of what is to be expected. AFib most likely causes low blood oxygen saturationBlood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) The oxygen saturation (SpO2) of a person's blood is defined as a percentage of the maximum amount (100%) of oxygen it can transport. A healthy person's SpO2 percentage should be between 96% and 99%. - Source: What is oxygen saturation (SpO2)? What is the normal range for SpO2??. Retrieved 11 November 2022, from ihealthlabs.com, especially during mild exertion (walking). The lows are at 82-85% when walking and around 91-93% at rest—all at room air.

The probable mechanism behind these low percentages is reduced cardiac output during episodes of AFib.

Let’s see how we are going to solve this problem. I’ll keep you posted.

If you wish to learn more about the probable link between atrial fibrillation and different types of pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary Hypertension (PH) High pressure in the blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. The arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart are affected by pulmonary hypertension. If untreated, the right side of the heart will weaken over time, eventually leading to heart failure and death. The WHO has defined five distinct groups of pulmonary hypertension, each with a different cause. CTEPH is a form of PH (WHO group 4). - References: mayoclinic.org and cdc.gov, as well as possible treatment options, please read my post Atrial Arrhythmias in Pulmonary Hypertension.