HOW EFFECTIVE ARE PACEMAKERS FOR AF.

[Hugo40]

I have been reading an article written by Brian Blessed. He mentioned AF as one of the few medical problems he has suffered.

He had a Pacemaker fitted, "one of the most modern" he stated. No further problems reported. If a pacemaker helps with AFib it is simple to fit.

Comments welcome.

Hugo40

[BobD Volunteer]

Pacemakers do not normally stop AF. They work on the ventricle(s) not the atria. If you have a pacemaker and then have your AV Node ablated your ventricles will be controlled by the PM so your heart rate (what you feel at your pulse) will be whatever the PM is set at but your left atrium may still fibrillate . I know a few people who have had the procedures and whilst there QOL (quality of life) is improved they are still aware of the AF.

Some modern dual chamber PMs may improve things to a point where the AV Node ablation is not needed (over to you CD) but there is no guarantee.

[Hugo40 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, I am only going by the report on Mail Health this week. It would simplify AFib alot if it worked for some types. I appreciate your in depth explanation. I attach an extract from the Brian Blessed report: EVER HAD ANYTHING REMOVED?NO, BUT I do have a pacemaker because I had an arrhythmia. It’s the most advanced in the world — I’ve had it for about three years. It only took doctors 15 minutes to insert it, and within half a day I felt about 20 years of age. Before that I’d felt I was slowing down a bit. If I go on a great big adventure, they adjust the speed: ‘There you go, Brian, it will be just perfect for the North Pole.’

That was 3 yrs ago wondering if further advancements have come about.

Regards

Hugo40

[Finvola]

I read that interview with Brian Blessed and was interested to know more. I remember he collapsed on-stage a few years ago and called it a little arrhythmia. Glad it has helped him. There are several members here who have pacemakers fitted - hopefully some will see your post. A friend has one and lives a full life unbothered by irregular heartbeat - in her eighties.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello Hugo40, feel free to contact the AF Association if you would like any information re pacemakers.

[CDreamer]

Resynchronisation therapy Pacemaker worked for me when nothing else did and after 2 ablations. I’ve had 2 very short AF episodes since implant in 2018 but really depends upon individuals, I don’t think you can make too many comparisons though and the Blessed Brian has a somewhat extravagant way of describing life experiences.

I know my EP had to fight very, very hard to get the funding for me to get the PM because it is state of the art and about x5 more expensive than the PMs inserted for SSS or Bradycardia.

[Hugo40 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks CDreamer. I will be trying to get further for more info.. x5 more expensive how much is that in cash please. Best wishes Hugo40

[CDreamer in reply to Hugo40]

Average for PM I was told was about £5-6K whereas the Re-Synch Therapy Bi-Ventricular £25-£30K but of course the NHS gets big discounts for buying in bulk so take about 20% off cost to NHS. I found this out simply because my health insurance refused to pay for private treatment saying that I didn’t meet the NICE criteria, which was ironic considering the I ended up receiving it on the NHS - but only after my EP fought for the funding.

[Paulbounce]

I can't comment on your post Hugo - I don't know enough about it.

However I will watch the post with great interest. It sounds like things might improve with PM's.

Let's wait and see - personally I think (given a year or so - maybe a little longer) treatment will improve and advances made for us afibbers. Fingers crossed

Paul

[Clarrie]

I had a pacemaker fitted in June last year as I was passing out when reverting to NSR. I still get AF every 7-10 days lasting up to 48 hours but do not pass out now.

[john-boy-92]

Back in the day I would occasionally pass out, possibly due to AF or bradycardia (I was a runner). I recall a cardiac surgeon who said to me that his colleagues would recommend that I have a pace maker for AF. He said, it wouldn't make any difference, I would just pass out with a better heart rate!

[karrog]

During the early days of my afib around 2012, my cardio at the time had me on flec and when that failed she switched to sotalol. When that failed she wanted me to get a PM so that she could increase the dosage without my HR falling too low. She didn't tell me the PM would have no effect on stopping afib.

I decided to get a second opinion from one of the other cardios in the same practice. He advised me to skip the PM and go for an ablation. Glad I did. Just a reminder that 2nd opinions are usually a good idea.