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Does COPD cause a-fib?

I went from stage 1 COPD with coughing as my only symptom. Quit smoking Oct 31 2017. Jan 10 had major exacerbation and ended up with a-fib. It is April and I'm still having trouble breathing, heart settled out on meds and blood thinner. I had to retire I can't work more than 10 minutes. I'm upset as I thought COPD came on gradually. It hit me hard fast. Is this how it was for all of you?

  1. Hi usnretired and thanks (as always) for your post. I'm sorry to hear about your COPD coming on so quickly and having cardiac issues as well.
    COPD usually creeps up on people insidiously - very gradually, over time. Although it may seem to 'hit you hard fast', in reality, there may have been subtle signs over the years, that some aspect of lung disease was actually present.

    In the most general of terms, COPD is not typically responsible for atrial fibrillation. However, there are illnesses that are associated with COPD that you may want to be familiar with. Any of these articles may provide you with a little more insight for your concerns:https://copd.net/basics/conditions/respiratory-conditions. All the best, Leon (site moderator)

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