At my last 6month interogation ,( I have a dual chamber medtronic for 5 yearsand 100% paced), three inidences of Afib were piced up. They lasted for no more than 12seconds. A few days latter I received an urgent call from my cardiologists nurse, I had to come in and be fitted with a monitor which I wore for a month. Onreview by the doctor , he said there was no problem showing. Last friday the 13th, I had another interogation by the tech, I discussed what happened before. She said this time, there were three more Afib 's that were picked up also lasting for no more than 12seconds. I'm worried again and concerned. I am a 67 year old male in relatively good shape. On lipitor, atenentol norvasc low dose asperin. Any thoughts? Help!

 

 

Hi Liteppie
I am 99% paced and have a St Jude dual chamber pm. I have had my pm for 18 months. At my first 2 checkups my printout showed 3 or 4 episodes of very fast heartrate lasting bout 6 secs. ( One was over 200 bpm!) This was classed as A fib. However, at my last checkup my tech said that she now believed it was Pacemaker Induced Tachycardia and fiddled with the settings and I no longer have the really uncomfortable fluttering and such that I had before.
It may not be that with you but it may be worth mentioning next time you have your checkup. I don't think these episodes are harmful, but one of the others who have more knowledge can probably tell you more.
best wishes Jan

 

Generally AFIB is considered benign, however it does increase risk of blood clots.

Technicians are not always adept at reading EKGs and misinterpret the data. I would focus on your doctors as well as whether you are feeling the AFIB, if not don't worry so much. 12 seconds is nothing. You might want to look at your diet and cut out caffeine and similar items that can cause arrhythmias. but I'd say some of your problem is anxiety.