If you’ve ever wondered what to do during an AFib episode, especially in those early moments of panic, you’re not alone. In the beginning, I called an ambulance every time it happened. Later, I started having a family member drive me to the hospital. Eventually, I stayed home for a few hours before going in. Now, I usually manage episodes at home — but not without a clear safety plan. Knowing what to do during an AFib episode before one begins can make the difference between chaos and control, especially when you feel the symptoms start in the middle of the night.
Let me be clear: This is your heart. In the early days, I was terrified that if it stopped beating, I’d be alone. That fear is valid. The hospital is the safest place during an AFib episode, especially if you’re alone or unsure what’s happening. Nurses and doctors are trained to keep your heart beating, and that peace of mind is priceless when fear takes over. That’s why it’s so important to understand what to do during an AFib episode before one happens.
So why did I stop going to the hospital?
It started with a conversation with my electrophysiologist (a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disorders). After a hospital stay, I asked him, point blank: *”Why do I need to go to the hospital when I’m in AFib?”
He asked me what they usually do for me at the hospital. I told him they typically give me a medication to slow my heart rate. He responded, “Then take an extra dose at home. It won’t work as fast, but it’ll do the job.”
I brought up my concern that an extra dose can cause dangerously low blood pressure. He said simply, *”Then go to the hospital if you don’t feel okay.”
That moment changed everything. I realized I didn’t need to panic and race to the ER every time. I could have a plan.
After that appointment, my doctor and I worked out a clear plan for how to handle episodes from home. I now use a rate-controlling medication when needed — but some of you may be prescribed an antiarrhythmic or something different. In some cases, your doctor might recommend a “pill-in-the-pocket” approach, where you take a specific dose of medication at the onset of an episode. This gave me peace of mind because I finally knew what to do during an AFib episode instead of panicking or feeling helpless. Always talk to your doctor about what’s right for your situation.
Having the ability to stay home during an AFib episode is not about being brave or reckless. It’s about being informed, prepared, and closely monitored by your care team. Everyone’s AFib is different, and what works for me may not work for someone else. That’s why it’s so important to discuss these decisions with your doctor and develop a clear strategy for what to do during an AFib episode in your particular case.
What to Do During an AFib Episode (My Personal Plan with Paroxysmal AFib)
I have paroxysmal AFib, which means my episodes come and go. They stop on their own and don’t require long-term intervention to convert back to normal rhythm.
At first, episodes were rare — once a year, then every six months, then monthly. At most, I had up to two episodes a month, typically lasting 4–8 hours.
Most of my episodes happen while I’m sleeping. I’m extremely sensitive and can feel the moment it starts — sometimes even the beats right before. If I catch it early, I can sometimes stop it before it fully takes hold.
Over time, I developed a plan. I track my symptoms, monitor my vitals, and alert someone I trust. If you’re wondering what to do during an AFib episode when you’re already familiar with the symptoms, this kind of structure can help. I know when to try staying home — and when to head in. The more I practice my plan, the more confident I feel about what to do during an AFib episode when it strikes unexpectedly.
If an episode feels different, lasts too long, or if I have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, I would not hesitate to go to the hospital. I’m not trying to be a hero — I’m trying to stay safe and informed.
In Part 2, I’ll walk you through exactly what I do to try and convert AFib naturally when I catch an episode early — and what I do at home when I ride out a full episode I can’t stop.
👉 Continue reading: Part 2 – 8 Natural Ways to Stop AFib at Home
Written with honesty and understanding by Turquoise Heart
