Anyone have a icd and now in afib?

 

 

I have an ICD for 3 years and pacing 95%..also in afib but I don't feel it. Heart Dr put an extra lead for the afib that helps with shortness of breath. St Francis Heart Hospital NY

 

Hello "relax"..I read with great interest your posting re having a-fib. In 2001, I graduated from atrial tachycardia to atrial fib. A pacemaker was inserted. I was placed on the medication Amiodorone and 5 yrs later had c/o shortness of breath, went to the ED, was admitted and the following am was planning on going home, went into a full cardiac/respiratory arrest. I was 61. I was away from home for 2 mos with rehab etc. I was given in ICD. I'm told I'm 100% dependent on it. I have reg. ck's and have an at home transmitter to send strips once a month. Getting it replaced will be in about 3 mos or so I am told...Now, I'm feeling my heart pump harder than usual, some shortness of breath and dizziness. I told my husband it almost feels like it did when I was in a-fib. I'm wondering if it's back again? If this starts up again today, I think I will just have to go the the ED. That causes me stress...I think everyone can relate...I'm thinking that it never occured to me that a-fib could be a problem once again? I have a Cardiologist that doesn't explain too much to me...live in a small area so changing Dr's not easy.
Best wishes to you and others going thru this!
Nevada Silver

 

Hi Barbara,
I have had an ICD for 11 years and regularly have Afib which I sometimes feel , but mostly am not aware of at all until I have a checkup, when they will tell me so, if I ask.
The ICD is not there to cure the afib,becauase it doesn't and can't. It is there to monitor the heart and prevent/correct ventricular tachycardia,which is a rhythm which can cause the heart to suddenly stop.
Afib is not life threatening and is something which many people live witht without being aware of it, however, if you are aware it can be frightening until you learn to realise that it will not harm you.
So, don't worry and read the responses in other sections of this club for the reassurance you need.
best wishes,
Roy