u/Zestyclose_Cherry_23

I am a 30F

My dad (67M, 6’3, 290 lbs) was recently hospitalized after new onset AFib with RVR was found at a primary care appointment. He was admitted for several days and initially there was concern for CHF because an earlier transthoracic echo estimated EF around 40-45% and he had some shortness of breath.

He underwent a TEE + attempted cardioversion. Cardioversion failed after 3 shocks, but the TEE findings were much more reassuring:

EF 60-64%
Normal systolic function
Normal wall motion
No thrombus/clot
Mild mitral regurgitation only
No major valve disease
No major structural abnormalities

He was discharged home today on:
Metoprolol
Eliquis
(and some med adjustments due to kidney levels rising )

He is still in AFib but rate controlled (~100 bpm).

Main concern now:
He gets short of breath walking up stairs or when standing too quickly. He says it feels like “heartburn” or chest burning more than crushing chest pain. He otherwise is okay sitting/resting and is not gasping at rest.

Questions:

1. Is exertional shortness of breath like this common after hospitalization + persistent AFib even with a normal EF on TEE?
2. Could AFib alone still cause reduced exercise tolerance even if the heart pumping function looks normal?
3. Has anyone had a similar experience where symptoms improved over days/weeks after discharge?

Does this sound more consistent with AFib/deconditioning/recovery?

Just trying to understand what’s normal vs concerning after discharge.

I’m also worried as his bedroom is upstairs

Thanks.

Hello

I am a 30F , married with a 18 month old son

I lost my mom when she was 51 and I was 17 suddenly due to a massive heart attack . She passed away in front of me on the floor

My father is 67

3 years ago my dad called me up and said I’m not doing well mentally , I quit my job and I need to move in with you .

It was obviously tough and an adjustment on my husband and I .

The first year he was his usually self

The second year he started to just sit around and hang out in his room most of the time until I had my son . He will come and watch my son , play with him.

My husband and I are very healthy.

My dad when moving in just had high cholesterol, high blood pressure and was overweight but is 6’3.

So Thursday I took him to his scheduled primary doctor that is every 6 months , and he told her he had heart burn . She did his ekg and was rushed to the hospital for Afib , now heart failure (EF 40-45%) and a bunch of other stuff .

Prior to his hospitalization he lost 30 pounds on a new diet since his blood test in March advised he was pre diabetic and insurance won’t cover ozempic or anything else unless he is deemed a diabetic

He is still in the hospital as he had normal kidney levels coming in but now they are rising and they are doing a cardioiversion today.

I was fine mentally Thursday & Friday . I was scared but Saturday I woke up and didn’t want to get out of bed. I was paralyzed in fear because I can’t but now think how he could die just like mom right in front of me , in my house.

Or if he declines and can’t do stairs anymore what do I do

Or if he doesn’t want to eat healthier or workout how do I live watching him do that everyday.

He is in denial right now at the hospital that anything is wrong. I have 2 brothers and they each live 4 hours away and I asked them to come up and help and support me through this as I feel alone but they don’t want to waste a PTO day.

The anxiety and panic is all overwhelming. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep , I feel sick to my stomach .

I don’t want to feel this way or think these thoughts .

But I can’t help it especially knowing I will be alone as the full caregiver for my dad once he is home if everything progresses well. I will have to take him to all his appointments and attend them . I am not sure if it’s just hospital stress or a memory deficit but he does not think anything is wrong with him and why he needs a follow up cardiologist appointment.

I also have the fear for when he gets more testing , will they find more things wrong .

I know we aren’t on this earth forever but doing it alone when working full time, and trying to enjoy your life is stressful.

Sorry for the rant . Just looking for advice for anyone in this situation