Afib

I understand that a PM doesn't cure afib, but does it help in any way or affect afib at all? 


3 Comments

Afib.

by ePaul2018 - 2018-03-29 13:28:23

I think I was told the same thing. AFIB put me on the ground in Jan. 2017, and I had my second heart attack. Went in via lights and sirens. Spent 7 days in the hospital and got some new stents and new meds.

I RESISTED the pacemaker/defib. combo unit at that time-- I did not want to do it, and I was stupid. I made the wrong decision. Recently, I ended up back in the hospital not feeling well, they found a new blockage and cleared it, and again suggested strongly that I need some "electronics".

There are two benefits to the equipment I can think of in an afib. situation. One is that the device makes an excellent data-logger, or event recorder, and if you are having spells of afib. here and there it should DOCUMENT them for you, even if you don't feel them.  When you see your support people they can download that data and have much more information at-hand to help you.

The other benefit I can think of is, if you get the two-wire pacer install, is that the other half of the device is typically a DEFIB. unit. If you flat-out croak and go down, yeah, your right, the 'lectronics may not be able to flatten out AFIB.... but if your "down", the zapper has a good chance of popping you a good one and getting you back on-line.

It's what I am going with, I am/was in the same boat. Funny, once you have had some "experience" in an afib situation, you are sort of "guilty" for life with it, or a constant suspect so it seems.  I am basing what I shared on my experiences, my equipment and my recollection of what I was told. Others with bigger brains will know more I bet.

Be will and LIVE.

pm after ablation for afib

by Snake - 2018-03-30 10:32:24

Had afib for many years which could be controlled for a long time by medicine.

Last year that did not work anymore. Tried laser-ablation.....this worked for 3 weeks and then afib was back...tried ablation again...... unfortunately this resulted in a cardiac arest.

But the best place to get that is in the operation room.

Then they implemented a PM. Best decission ever. I had no afib anymore for the last 9 months and feel great.

Pacemakers for atrial fibrillation

by Selwyn - 2018-04-01 13:06:17

In general atrial fibrillation is treated by medication or electrophysiology surgery.  There are programmes ( ATP pacing)  for pacemakers that are said to help, but in general these are not at a good stage of reliability to be used. A recent literature review concluded:

In patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF), pacing from one or both atria has been suggested as a means to reduce AF recurrences. There is no conclusive evidence to support the implantation of an atrial pacemaker to prevent AF in patients who do not have an indication for pacing; symptomatic bradycardia is the most important group. Similar to societal guidelines, we do not recommend the insertion of an atrial pacemaker for this purpose .

If you require further detailed information, send me a private message.

Selwyn

 

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