These stories are based on information gathered from health
professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health
decisions.
Raymond, age 45: I am only 45 and I don't want
to spend the rest of my life feeling tired, out of breath, and like I have
butterflies in my chest. I've decided to try cardioversion one time, to see if
it will fix my atrial fibrillation.
Tom, age 61: I didn't even know I had atrial
fibrillation until my doctor found it during a physical exam. I have a couple
of friends who went through a lot to get back to a normal rhythm, and it just
seemed like too much trouble and then it didn't even work. Since I am not
having symptoms, I think I will just take the medications to control my heart
rate and prevent strokes and not worry about it.
Manny, age 78: Managing my heart failure has
become more difficult since I developed atrial fibrillation. My doctor has
encouraged me to try cardioversion because she hopes it will help my heart work
better and help me feel better.
Margarita, age 82: I have other health
conditions that I am managing well with medication. I don't have any symptoms.
So, taking another drug won't change my life.
