AF ....

[George2467814]

Am 83 and have had heart surgery (bypass) 20 years ago. 3 years ago started taking warfarin 3.1/2 mg dailey. Also take bisoprolol and amlodipine with Lipitor at night. My problem is a feeling I might fall or faint caused by a momentary pause in heart rhythm. Or a missed beat. Told by my GP after tests at hospital I could have a pacemaker fitted if I find my experiences troublesome....any thoughts.?

[Patricia1]

I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and I used to have presyncope (near faint) caused by a pause when my heart went from AF back to normal rhythm. I had a pacemaker fitted last March which solved the problem. I would say have it done

[fallingtopieces]

I'm not in your position but if I am one day I would have the pacemaker fitted.

You'd never have to worry about those pauses again.

Pat.

[Pdotg]

My father had his first pacemaker fitted at 85. It changed his life. He had the ten-year replacement last year and is fine. So age doesn't have to be a problem!

[George2467814 in reply to Pdotg]

Gives a nudge in right direction

[DavDug]

Go to the spacedoc website and have a good read George. Graveline, Kendrick and McCully all have good books to read and I found them useful when I hit AF 6 years ago. Having become persistent AF I hope to get the catheter ablation in the next month. Statins and the Lipitor I tossed in the waste paper basket. Being polite I did not get a good response taking them!! 83? Only a 'young man'!

[George2467814 in reply to DavDug]

Will thanks

[George2467814 in reply to DavDug]

Many thanks will follow up

[shirlygirly]

Hi George, Having a long history of missed beats which then lead to the

onset of af I would certainly go for the pacemaker. Its not very nice and

Its uncomfortable if you feel unsteady or faint, I stopped going out for

fear that I would fall. Go for it George I would. Shirley.

[George2467814 in reply to shirlygirly]

Thank you I will talk to GP but no doubt a waiting list.

[Hidden]

i had one i august the change in my quality of life is amazing. Couldnt walk far feeling faint even when sat. I now go to the gym 5 mornings a week and do 90 mins each day. This is after 5 yrs of no exercise. Good luck whatever is decided

[George2467814 in reply to Hidden]

Very encouraging thank you