Pace and Ablate?

[Rebma]

Does pace and ablate mean a cardiac abliation and a pace maker? I had a cardiac abliation end of March. Now my heart rate is all over the place. Take metoprolol tartrate 75mg 2 times daily and Eliquis 5mg 2 times daily and fosprinil 20mg once daily. Does a pacemaker control afib and then Yiu have to have the cardiac Abliation? I had a very rough recovery after abliation. I am just confused on pace and ablate. Thank yiu

[BobD Volunteer]

No sorry this is not the way it works

Ablation or to be more correct pulmonary vein isolation means that attempts are made to ablate the areas within the atrium which are causing the fibrillation.

Pacemakers do not cure atrial fibrillation but are used to ensure that low heart rates due either to drugs or other heart issues are not allowed to drop too low.

With Pace and ablate, the pacemaker is fitted and once everybody is happy it is working fine, then the AV Node, which is the hearts main natural pacemaker, is burned away meaning that none of the chambers can talk to each other. The PM governs the ventricular rate which ensures that you have a regular heart beat but the atrium can still do what it wants without interfering with the ventricle.

Hope that helps but for a more in depth read go to AF Association and look up the relevant fact sheet.

[Rebma in reply to BobD]

Thank you. If would be great if a pacemaker could make everything normal.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Rebma]

Never going to happen. This is life now.

[Rebma in reply to BobD]

Do you suffer from Afib and high blood pressure? What do you do for it? Are you in USA?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Rebma]

Had AF for many years but ablation no 3 in 2008 stopped that . I still get some other arrhythmias from time to time. BP under control with various drugs and life is wonderful. Never stopping warfarin mind. Recent weight loss may mean I can drop some of the BP meds I hope. Over the years drug companies seem to have convinced doctors to lower the threshold for BP meds and I have decided it is time to start kicking back a bit.

I live in Devon England.

[Rebma in reply to BobD]

What meds are you on? How high does your heart rate go to? I wake up in the high 90’s and then take medicine and it drops to mid 60’s low 70’s. Then by dinner time it is up again take medicine and it drops but nybmorning it is upbin high 90’s low 100’s. This is all new for about two weeks ago.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Rebma]

Not on any meds for arrhythmias. Just warfarin and some BP meds. Once in a blue moon I may get atrial tachycardia around 140 bpm which usually has to be cardioverted. Maybe three times in the last ten years. Ectopics come and go in clusters but the deep breathing exercises usually stop them pretty quickly.

By the way normal heart rate is considered to be between 60 and 100 .

[Ianc2 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

like the plan to lose weight, to bring down BP, in order get rid of the pills. Question is how much weight do you need to lose (as a %, or mid BMI, or kilo's/pounds)?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Ianc2]

BMI less than 25 seem to be good.

[Hidden in reply to Rebma]

Just my experience. I had a pace and ablate in 2016. Like you my rate was all over the map (diagnosis Tachy-Brady syndrome). Once I got my pacemaker and the final parameters were decided on-about a month after surgery- my rate now remains very stable without meds and enables me to feel good with no erratic rate symptoms. Something to consider. Hope this helps. irina

[Diamondgirl5]

I take Eliquis & Metoprolol 2X a day also. Plus Valsartan and Amlodipine. I also have a pacemaker. I now don't have ANY problems. The pacemaker is working 99% of the time, so NO heart palpitations at all. I feel great. I hope the same for you!

[Rebma in reply to Diamondgirl5]

When did all your cardiac issues start? With the pacemaker and the meds seem to work for you. That is great. Was it all done at the same time? I am in the USA. Mybcardiologist is very conservative but I need to be more stable with heart rate.

[Diamondgirl5 in reply to Rebma]

I have ALWAYS had heart palpitations, even as a young girl. But it got worse 2 years ago. Weak, tired. My mom had a pacemaker and lived until 93. She had no problems with it - even tho her heart "was that of a very old lady" when she was in her 50's.

I had a very low heart rate (below 40 when asleep) so I decided to have a pacemaker, since it worked so well for her. It has been wonderful for me also! Very, very few heart palps. they are now regulated. I had 2 AF incidents, early on and now none for over a year and a half. I live in NY. It was a great decision for me.

[Rebma in reply to Diamondgirl5]

If you don’t mind are you in nyc and who were your doctors. We live close to Manhattan in nj. I have to get back to living. I have no energy. Feel like I am rocking back and forth. Any info would be great. Thank yiu.

[hock217 in reply to Rebma]

I live in Bayside, Queens and my excellent Cardiologist is affiliated with St Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He was wonderful.....very thorough testing including wearing ten lead monitor for a month which picked up SVT. Elected to have ablation when monitor picked up 120 - 160 extra beats caused by extra node. EP ablated and on low dose Sotalol.

[cassie46]

I think some of you are talking about normal pacemakers that regulate the heart to an extent and not allowing to drop below 40. A pace and ablate is the last option, you will have no natural heartbeat it will purely be mechanical, the pacemaker will be your heartbeat. As bob said you natural body's pacemaker will ablated,in effect destroyed, I understand that they leave a little behind but your HR would be very low 30 or lower,you would probably pass out and would have to get medical help immediately. I am being told that this is now my last option and still making up my mind.

Cassie

[Diamondgirl5 in reply to cassie46]

I had a very low HR before. Now I am at a normal 70+. I am so glad I got my pacemaker!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to cassie46]

All heart muscle cells have the ability to beat spontaneously which is why even if the PM failed you would not normally die. Its not that they leave a bit behind I was told. As you say rate may be down to 30 or so. .

[Melleray in reply to cassie46]

Hi Cassie - I am in the same position as you. It is a hard choice for me between having AF and knowing it will not improve, so my life severely curtailed, the unpredictability of it which keeps me on edge, horrible episodes which usually revert within 2 hours OR a pacemaker which is my heartbeat and I rely totally upon it. Having had 5 ablations I know these are my only choices now.

[Diamondgirl5]

I live on Long Island, near the Hamptons - and I don't recommend my doctor, as he is far from you.

[Maagaa]

Hi Rebma did you ever call Hackensack and get in touch with my EP hope you didn’t forget or lose the information I gave you, in NJ not to far for you to drive. Had my pacemaker put in place and set at 70 feeling much better. Didn’t flip into AFIB but I know it could happen. Pacemaker only keeps heart beating at a normal rhythm and you won’t be all over the place

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

I haven’t but I will. That is what is confusing. . You have a pacemaker and still can have afib. Yiu are on medication to control afib. I know people who have afib and take. A blood thinner and a blood pressure pill and never had an afib symptom again. I have been on so many different pills and abliation and still having issues.

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Can I scroll back on here. I know uncalled him Dr Rad

[BJShaf in reply to Maagaa]

Its my understanding the pacemaker is to control the rate of the heart not the rhythm. The rhythm may be controlled either by medication and or ablation. This is all new to me so still learning.

[BJShaf in reply to BJShaf]

Alot of the AF meds put you into bradycardia and that potentially could make you pass out if you drop to low. NSR due to meds can cause the bradycardia so if you had a pacemaker that would prevent the heart rate dropping o the 30-40's.

[Maagaa in reply to BJShaf]

Sorry BjShaf my mistake heart rate good because of pacemaker rhythm came back from Amiodarone and Magnesium at heavy dose levels then cardioversion put me in steady rhythm and thank God been that way for 14 months. Off amiodarone still take magnesium and full of hope that AFIB doesn’t return but I think that’s supposed to be the luck of the draw. Hope I didn’t confuse you

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

I have been reading about magnesium Were you tested first or did doctor put you on? I read mag taurate is best to take. I think I am reading too much. I am 4 months out of abliation

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

I have my bottle in hand Rebma will tell you exactly what it says.magnesium 400mg from magnesium oxide magnesium citrate and magnesium aspartate. I order from Amazon label on front says Triple Magnesium Complex the company is Swanson. Did you ask cardiologist if you should take it. My cardiologist didn’t suggest it but EP did

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

You are the best bud!!! I wish you were the doctor!!! I also told my friend about Dr Rad. He was in icu for 10 weeks after Heart valve replacement. Crazy story. He went into ny hospital to see a new cardiologist. Problem is all the physician assistants yiu don’t see doctor.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

I’m surprised after valve surgery only a PS was it Hackensack? We sure have great Drs here in the Ny NJ area. Sorry Rebma understand that I can’t talk to you about meds they’re only vitamins and here in the USA vitamins aren’t off limits

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Morning. The beach day last week was very relaxing. Didn’t think too much about Abif. See cardiologist this Thursday and ep on the 31. Hope you are well. After my scheduled I will make appointment with Dr Rad so I have all my records and updated visits. Thank you again. How are you?

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Hi Rebma haven’t been on for awhile would like to say why but something happened that has me not posting. I will give Dr Radaslovich my permission to give you my phone# would love to keep in touch. If not my phone # my full email address. Keep doing well and keep posting so I can see your progress. Wonderful thoughts going your way

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Can I give you my phone number? Is this private or will everyone see this? I would love to speak with you or I can send my email address. Let me know.

[Rebma in reply to Rebma]

Don’t cut off ties. I am going to stop posting also. So glad you and I connected. Please let me know if I can send my info to you. Who knows when and if insurance will pay for all these visits. Your friend.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

No Friend don’t put anything personal on this website you never know what class of people these are I won’t put my phone # or email address on their site. If you go to Dr Radaslovich I will tell him to give you my information unless you can think of an outside source I can mail to like a POBox or a business address

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

I am going to try and figure out a way to get you my information. I don’t have a p.o. box. We can’t cut off communication. How about if mail my information to dr Rad. I look up his address and send him my info. What do you think?. Then he can give it to you.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

I will get an address for you to mail everything to me as Dr Rad back and forth from Hackensack to Good Samaritan in Suffern. Hold up and wait for an address from me I have something cooking. Feel good. I don’t know the staff at Hackensack so might not get it but have someone or someplace you can mail it in mind just want to make sure I’m not stepping on toes

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

I will wait. Don’t want to stop communication. I have to make sure you are doing well also. Check and balance system for ourselves.

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Hi. Hope your weather has been better than ours. Rain, rain, stops and rain. Good for the grass. Tomorrow is regular cardiologist. We shall see. He is always typing with his back to you. Hope you are having a great day.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Hi Rebma still trying to get a plug in to you I will keep trying. Rain here also going to be in Hackensack soon for urology for my bladder cancer, good luck at cardio ask him if he’s heard of Zimmerman and Radaslovich EPs

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

I will. Let’s keep trying. My sister had her bladder removed last November. Bladder cancer. She started in nj but ended up at Sloan. She wears a permanent bag but she is doing great had chemo first then surgery and total hysterectomy and bladder removed. Thank God she is doing great. How are yiu?

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Bladder cancer went to ureter so had ureter and left kidney removed. Bladder BCG treatment so as of 3 months ago no new tumors but developed cystitis getting no resolve from my Dr here so was recommended to Dr Degen in Hackensack so far he’s found EColi so need to take antibiotics then get a cysto. Don’t want to lose bladder kidney gone and 10 inches of my small intestine AFIB breast cancer and now a pacemaker just keep plugging along that’s why I want you to see Dr R there’s hope to feel better with AFIB

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Gosh. Yiu have been through so much. Do you mind if I ask if you are male or female? The priest who married us years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer. How is day to day living for you Yiu are so upbeat! You had lots of serious issues. Afib seems to be under control for yiu. I am so happy for that. Can you drive yourself to your appointments? My sister saw blood in her grime and that started the whole testing and discovery of cancer.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Female will be in touch privately somebody bounced in and doesn’t want us talking that’s why I’m getting off this website

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Morning. Happy Saturday. Sun is out!! How are you doing? How your your rate been! Do you know when your pace maker kicks in? You are a remarkable person. So much to deal with and you are an inspiration to me. Are yiu able to get around and do what you want to do? My cardiologist appointment was uneventful. He took took second bp and a sec listened to my chest. Told me my cardiac are 50% blocked and we would deal with that later. Oh well. He also suggested I speak to someone becauseof all I went through with all the hospital stays.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Every time I try to email you a response they block me because we’re talking personal

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Really. That is crazy. How can we communicate? Not sure where the private part is located on this site

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Surprised my last email went thru. Do you ever go to Paramus Mall coffee maybe and exchange #s. Or think of a spot close to you my boys went to school at St Joseph Regional Montvale but that’s far for you. Hope this goes thru

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

No but I can go to Paramus Mall. That would be great. I think I was at Paramus park when I lived in Essex county years ago. We can check our calendars. You made my day. I ent to immaculate conception kin Montclair for hs many years ago!!!

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Maagaa Hope Yiu are feeling great and Heart is staying in rythum. I know you have appointment with doctor for check up. I see ep doctor and have my Zio monitor on for two weeks. One more week to go. It checks my rythum. Got the kardia and I will take that with me today also. How r things by yiu?

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Hi. Hope you are well. How did your doctor’s appointment go?

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Morning. Hope all of your tests went well. When are you scheduled for your bladder tests? Can’t believe summer is coming to an end. When do you see Dr Rad? Just got an answer on portal from EP regarding two week heart monitor. Just said “looked over no events”.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

No events that’s great. See my dearDr Radaslovich beginning of Oct. Bladder cysto on Tues please God no new tumors. Right cataract surgery Sept 10and left eye Sept 26. Hope to see you before the holidays and snow comes. Can you think of a meeting place not to far for us both. Takes me 21/2 hrs to AC how long from you to AC I don’t like AC but if it’s good for you we can meet. Keep in touch

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

AC too far for you and me. Let’s try the mall. There are so many. Did you say Paramus Park mall is close for you? With all the tests and procedures you have to have done you need to stay close to home. My neighbor took theee of us out to lunch yesterday. She is 87 and in better shape than anyone I know. Still works part time. Sometimes I feel like a slug!!! Think of a mall that would work for you. Can’t believe Labor Day. Time goes by way too quickly.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Ok will have my husband look up a few diners on rt17 I think that would be a good spot inand around Paramus. At 73 I was always a pretty peppy old dame but this neuropathy really has my butt dragging and balance is really off. In between procedures I put a broom up my bum and sweep the floors. All my Drs think that’s a good joke when I tell them Talk soon grands coming for lunch

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Sounds great. You can even bring your husband. That sounds like a plan. Let’s do it. Stay well hope to see u soon.

[Rebma in reply to Rebma]

Morning. How did your cysto go? Can’t believe Labor Day is here. Last 8 months seem like they flew by. Crazy. How r u feeling? You have a lot of procedures coming up?

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Hope your cateract surgery went well. How r u feeling? Felt like a fall rainy day today. When do you get your results from. your urologist? How has your afib been? Please keep me posted and let me know how you are. Dr Rad is on my radar. Hope to hear from you soon.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Hi Reb cataract surgery tmr next on the 26th. My results of the cysto showed intercistial cystitis no cure but can be controlled with meds. Seeing urologist Thurs going to see my darling Dr Rad in two weeks. Thought we would meet by now but just to much going on. How is your AFIB ? Thanks be to God still in sinus rhythm. Keep in touch my prayers with you

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

Thankfully you can be controlled with meds. Afib pretty good. Just having swelling in ankles. Like an old car, fix one part then another. Yes we will try to meet before holidays. Would be fun. Stay well and check your calendar.

[Maagaa]

Was taking Amiodarone but was on xarelto and high blood pressure meds after my conversion he took me off because I am in steady sinus rhythm but if I go back into AFIB he probably will go with xarelto again. Was on metropolo 50 2x a day now on 25 2x a day because my pressure is good heart rate at 70 because if it goes over 70 pacemaker kicks on. Please consider going to see Dr Radaslovich or another EP of your choice I’m sure you could get things in order and feel so much better. Too much anxiety not good for AFIB. Good luck Rebma you deserve more for yourself. Keep me posted.

[Rebma in reply to Maagaa]

I will. You are a great afib friend.

[Dolly1962]

The EP said that he would be shutting the top two chambers of my heart off and that when I have a paf attack the pace maker will kick in and do its job so the blood flow carries on around but I wouldn’t know I was having a attack , if that makes sense. This is what was explained to me . As I said I’m on the waiting list for the ablate to be done .

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Dolly1962]

Dolly Please see my explanation at top of page.

[Dolly1962 in reply to BobD]

Ok Bob was only saying ..

[Maagaa]

Hi Rebma I had to turn off last night but wanted to make sure that you don’t take this information people are giving as 100% accurate they are volunteers not physicians. Only a licensed Dr. who went to college for a degree in pre-med and then when on to medical school and graduated with their degree can give you medical advice you sound exasperated and don’t need a lecture you need a good EP in NJ to help you not somebody on a website. Please follow-up you sound like a wonderful lady. Call Hackensack you won’t be sorry

[Rebma]

I will. This afib has really changed my life. I am having depression which I never had before. Just want to wake up with a new healthy body. Don’t we all.

[Maagaa in reply to Rebma]

Absolutely I thought I would lose my mind when I was in AFIB, I was up alnight pressure going crazy headache, horribly depressed but if I slip back now I am better equipped to deal with things because of my cardiologist and my EP. It will get better Rebma

[doodle68]

Dr Gupta talking about pacemakers and defibrillators ....

youtu.be/mXlOhiTCM_M(Not working as expected?)

[exbcmc]

I’ve had two ablations. One for Afib, second for pulse over 100, about 2 months later.