Has anyone with atrial fibrillation h... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Has anyone with atrial fibrillation had a pacemaker fitted?
In 2009 I had a pacemaker implanted due to a very low heart rate (in th the low 30's) my diagnosis was bradycardia the opposite of tachycardia. The pace maker is set to not allow my heart rate to go below 60.
Alby
Hi Patricia, I answered a similar question yesterday funnily enough. Personally no I haven't but I know several people, who have and the first thing to say is that it doesn't stop A fib. Pacemakers work by sending impulses to the left ventricle to ensure a regular pumping beat. They are not connected to the atria which continues to do its own thing at will. As as result the patient will have normal blood flow and avoid the dizzy spells and other likely results of AF yet may well still be able to feel the fandango which is going on inside. Some people have had AV node ablation and pacemaker where the AV node, the heart's natural pace maker, is ablated and the machine implanted to take over the work but still feel the fibrillation in the atria. It is a nice idea that it might "cure you" but sadly it doesn't, it. only over comes the symptoms.
Some people may have a pacemaker fitted because their rate control drugs such as beta blockers lower the heart rate to dangerous levels. One wonders if the drugs aren't often worse than the condition! For sure if a drug doesn't do what it is supposed to do and control the A fib then maybe don't take it but please always discuss this with your doctor first.
BobD
Hi,
A very late reply to your post as I just had a pacemaker fitted two weeks for tachy bradycardia and three second pauses in my heart beat. I knew that it would not cure my AF but was told that it would make me more tolerant to Bisoprolol or other drugs.
You said: As a result the patient will have normal blood flow and avoid the dizzy spells and other likely results of AF"
I have been in and out of AF since the pacemaker was fitted and still have the dizzy spells even when sitting. I have wondered if the dizzy spells are caused by the 180mg XL Diltiazem prescribed in place of the Bisoprolol that I was intolerant to. I can though feel all right first thing in the morning but be dizzy about two hours later prior to taking the Diltiazem. I am also taking Losartan but take that at night. I took it one day by mistake in the morning and was even more light headed than on other days.
I couldn't comment other than to point out that you are only two weeks in and they will be adjusting eh PM as time goes on and you get used to it.
That said I only once took one diltiezem and threw the rest away as it made me feel like a zombie.
I felt not to bad the first week but I think by the second the Diltiazem had by then got well into my system. If I had been given tablets rather than the SR version I could cut down the dosage. At the moment I feel nearly as bad as before stopping Bisoprolol in early June.
I don't know enough about pacemakers to know what adjustments they can make to improve things for me when I see them in four weeks time.
After having had worsening pain in my left rib cage area when moving and breathing since Wednesday night I thought that my post pacemaker pneumothorax had returned. I phoned 111 hoping to see an out of hours doctor but they went OTT and sent a paramedic in a car followed by an ambulance to take me to A&E.
I had the whole barrage of tests after the chest X-Ray was clear and everything was in good working order apart from going in and out of AF with a high of 133bpm and a low of 33bpm. I'm not sure how the pacemaker let it go so low although it was kicking in frequently.
They of course said that I need another cardioversion or an ablation and to see my GP, BP Clinic and cardiologist about better medication.
When I was in for my pacemaker another patient was being taken off Diltiazem as he had swollen legs and syncope. He had broken his clavicle as a result and twice passed out in hospital when getting out of bed.
Hi Patricia
I had a pacemaker fitted before my first ablation. To be honest, I can't quite see the point of it beyond my feeling that it keeps me safe. It won't allow my heartbeat to become too low. It is also extremely useful in supplying accurate readings for the consultant of the heart activity in between appointments. They come out of the machine in a long print-out, a bit like ticker-tape. Overall it is a good thing to have one, and helps a lot in combination with the correct drugs. I have had excellent and effective treatment over the last 3 years, and am practically normal, for my age, 70.
Good luck and hope things improve for you.
Carrie
It`s nice to hear good news for a change. Stay safe. J.
Thank you, Alby, Bob and Carrie, for your replies. A pacemaker is one of the options for my symptomatic PAF and I love the idea of not having those awful symptoms during an episode although I do understand that it will not 'cure' the AF. The thought of having an ablation scares me witless
Hi Patricia
Please don't be scared of an ablation. I have had 3, and 2 of them were successful. I saw my EP consultant today, and he printed out my heart reading for the last 2 months. The AF episodes are hardly there at all, one or two of less than an hour. I think that an ablation is on about the same level as
a filling at the dentists. I can only speak for myself, and we are all different. My first ablation when I was so poorly, about 3 years ago, was not successful. I had to wait another 7 months until the second. In the meantime I was unwell
and so worried all the time. I never imagined that one day I would be almost AF free, but it has happened for me, and I hope it will happen for you.
Take care. Carrie
Carrie did you have bradycardia and therefore a pacemaker? I have started AF recently- one 2 hour episode and then 5 minute episodes approx once a week I can't take medication ( apart from warfarin) safely as pulse in 40s and 50s when at rest. About a week after first episode I started feeling dizzy and this has worsened particularly if I walk too far It fits in with brady tachy / sinus node problem so am wondering if I will need a pacemaker and possibly ablation. What type of ablation did you have when it was successful? Sorry for all questions but I am waiting for appointment early december and trying to gather information before then!!
Sorry to be so long replying. I think I had a low heartbeat which is why they put in a pacemaker. It was several months after that that they did the first ablation, which was not successful.
I'm afraid that feeling dizzy after too much physical effort is part of the territory for AF, at least for me. When I was poorly, I was dizzy most of the time.
I don't quite understand why you can't take medication, and is your appointment with an EP? One other thing about ablation - even if successful there can be 'breakthrough' of AF at a later date. No experience of that myself, but I suppose I am prepared.
Good luck, rosyG. Carrie
Hi Patricia.Did u have a pacemaker fitted for your PAF.
Not yet - have not yet managed to get an AFepisode captured on a monitor which the consultant wants before a decision is made
Comments interesting! thought you only had a pace maker for Bradicardia to stop the heart from stoping! and was told by a nurse not given to fast heart rates.... misinformed!!
A pacemaker for a rapid heart rate also requires an AV node ablation...
Hi!
I had a pacemaker installed in January this year. In April 2012 I had two stents put in and that was supposed to be the end of it. Theoretically I was supposed to feel a million dollars. Well I did not feel a million dollars. I developed Tachycardia as well as Bradycardia... low pulse of 40 and a high of 255. The PM is set at 60 so I cannot go below that. The PM cannot control Bradycardia so it's a myriad of drugs keeping me alive until I have an Ablation in Dec/Jan. I was on Sotolol and now changed to Amioderane and a few other drugs.
I was diagnosed with AF type on/off and bradycardia several years ago. Pacemaker was implanted for making the treatment with bisoprolol possible. During some years I had one AF attack per month but during the last 2 years one or two per week. These very symptomatic AFs truly have effect on the quality of life. Now I have had propaphenone for some weeks and after some difficulties in the beginning after stopping bisoprolol I am doing well with 600mg daily. I do hope this will last.
I'm pleased to hear that you are now doing well Varina. Did your pacemaker help with your bradycardia?
Just had my pacemaker fitted on 8th March. Being very careful not to lift my left arm above my head (for the next 6 weeks) and following all the other instructions I was given. How did anyone else get on in the 6 weeks after the procedure - any problems?
Hello Patricia 1. I had my pacemaker fitted two weeks ago for sick sinus syndrome/paf and yes I am trying not to lift my left arm above my head. I was very anxious about the procedure itself but it went very well. I freeked at the thought of a local anas. and it was a bit of an experience but I got through it.It has taken me the two weeks tho to get back on my feet I am still not driving but that is my choice. Public transport for me at mo. It also took week to get my meds started 1.25 Bisoprolol I was still getting palpitations and a few missed beats after the implant but they have eased I then increased the Bisoprolol to 2.5 but found that when I went to bed at night my breathing was a bit heavy. I have decreased the Bisoprolol to 1.25mg this morning and I am seeing the doc in the next few hours to see what she comes up with.My PM is set to 60bpm and my first appointment at the PM clinic is in one week I am told the reading from it comes out on a ticker tape so that should be interesting. Thank you all again for your support and look forward to hearing from you Patricia.
Thank you for your reply Arbroathsmokie. You are one week ahead for me so in a similar state! I was told not to drive for 6 weeks because the pacemaker leads take 6 weeks to embed firmly into the heart tissue. Hope you get on well - please report on your progress
Hello Patricia 1, Yes i could not believe the paperwork said you could drive after a week, no way for me. I have filled in the form for DVLA and sent that off, see what they come up with. I forgot to mention that my pacemaker is the MRI compatible one, but was told that the cardio team have to tweek something before the actual procedure.Reassuring to know that MRI can still be offered. Saw doc yesterday and I am to continue with the Bisoprolol 1.25mg for a week then increase the dose to 2.5mg and take it from there.Take care and best wishes.
Hi Patricia 1 I had a pacemaker fitted in march of this year. everthing went well never felt a thing.. I have a problem at night when I go to bed. my starts to jump ( like having a big drum inside you ) when I sleep in my normal sleeping position ( On right side ) other than that I am doing fine .just carry on as normal ,but do'nt over do it. and do'nt forget to keep your arm below shoulder height. hope everything turns out well for you,
best of luck
I had paroxysmal Af , I was very symptomatic, had 4 cardio versions and 2 ablations after for a few months I was improved, I then started collapsing, one right in front of hosp dr, I was offered a pacemaker, I cannot believe how much better I am, I don't have the very frightening heart racing etc I was told it would not stop Af, but been much better since pm. Also I now feel optimistic for the futurex
Thank you for your reply BStanding56. Sounds like a good result for your pacemaker - success stories are very encouraging for new pacemaker owners!
Hi everyone, I am due to have my pacemaker fitted next Wednesday and it is very comforting to read all the comments. My problem is that the 7 day monitor showed up Bradycardia and Tachycardia, plus pauses when in AF but also pauses when in SR. I am hoping the PM will help, apparently there will be two leads. Will let you know how I get on.
Stay well everyone, angel blessings
Di
I had a pacemaker fitted 3years ago for low pulse rate it was 25 the 40 BPM. I too was led to believe life would get back to normal. I now have AF. The pacemaker is working well and does give me reassurance that my heart will not stop. My arteries and valves are all fine This site is so helpful I wish I had known about but 3 years ago. I now know that the pacemaker is thee to keep my heartbeat above 60bpm. But it does not regulate the heart and does not stop AF. There has been a discussion with my drs about a new type of pacemaker but they are reluctant to operate before this one needs replacing which could be another 8 years. If the AF stays a bad as it currently I'd they may change their minds..
I'm late on the scene here as just recently confirmed to have tachy bradcardia and pauses of up to three seconds as well as my earlier AF after a seven day ECG monitor. My AF started three years ago after having my aortic valve replaced. I thought that I was in the clear after having a cardioversion but I have a very sensitive Vagus nerve that has twice since been stimulated by a colonoscopy and a DRE putting me back in AF.
I'm 80 and having my dual chamber pacemaker fitted on Friday so it was interesting reading of your experiences.
I now have permanent AF Pacemaker since 2001 I take warfarin and may need hip surgery how dangerous is this
Alcohol and Atrial Fibrillation 
Atrial Fibrillation advice needed
Atrial Fibrillation Survey
Presistent atrial fibrilation
