In this week of awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF) organized in partnership with Action-Coeur and Paroles&Réactions, Jacqueline Grandguillot, 84-year-old retiree, testifies on this silent pathology which can be at the origin of stroke (stroke) .
Jacqueline Grandguillot My atrial fibrillation was diagnosed to me 4 years ago, during a routine control where I went every six months. I was very surprised.
– Did you have any symptoms?
No, I had no symptoms at the time, I felt great. My doctor always told me that I had “a beating heart”.
– Was there a history of heart disease in your family?
No, not that I know of.
– Do you feel weakened by atrial fibrillation?
Yes, because I am quickly out of breath, I have difficulty breathing. When I go up a small hill, for example, I have to stop. I feel that my legs carry me less than before, sometimes they completely let me down, I have trouble walking. More generally, I feel a significant weakening.
– Have the causes of your atrial fibrillation been identified?
I think it’s linked to the fact that I accompanied my husband a lot, who was very ill for two years before he died. It tired me a lot physically, and therefore it probably tired my heart.
– Who made the diagnosis, after which examinations?
It was my general practitioner who made the diagnosis, after having a blood test done. Afterwards, I was followed by a cardiologist.
– How are you supported?
I have two medications that I take every day. I was prescribed an anti-arrhythmic and an anti-coagulant. I got used to it, the treatment does not bother me, neither physically nor mentally.
I was followed for four years, and recently I was offered surgery because my heart condition was getting worse. I was told that it threatened my vital prognosis, and I want to live a little longer. The doctor made it clear to me that I was the only one who could decide on the operation, that I was not obliged to do it. Normally, the intervention must be done next February.
– How does one live on a daily basis with atrial fibrillation?
I know I have had heart disease for 4 years. On a daily basis it is not very embarrassing, even if it has weakened me a lot lately. The operation to come worries me a little, like everyone else. But I trust the cardiologist and her team.
– Have you ever been told about a CVA (cerebrovascular accident), which 20% are linked to atrial fibrillation ?
No, no one ever told me about it.
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