New Pacemaker...increase metroprlol?

[kathie659]

Hi all. My pacemaker is a week old today. Ordered becasue hr was dipping to 30 and sinus pause was occurring.

I had ablation 2017 for afib.

My resting hr has gone from 48 to 60

Dr. increased metroprlol from 12.5 to 25 mg. after inserting pacemaker.

Seems that the intent was to speed up hr with pacemaker...but slow it with metroprolol?

I will ask at post op checkup, but wondered if anyone had thoughts on this?

[bantam12]

In my case the beta blocker controls rhythm but the risk is bradycardia so my pm stops that happening, it allows me to take higher dose which I couldn’t do without it and keeps my rate from dropping below 60.

[kathie659 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you...that explains it!

[CDreamer]

Pacemaker is often implanted so that the meds can be given without fear of the HR dipping too low. The drugs help control high HR whilst the PM stops it dipping below 60. Normally The Pacemaker will only kick in at a predetermined rate - mine is set at 60.

[kathie659 in reply to CDreamer]

I was unaware of this....thanks

[Ppiman]

A betablocker, to my knowledge, is used to help prevent arrhythmias or other circulatory conditions rather than only to reduce tachycardia. I was told it is widespread practice for higher doses of betablocker to be given than the heart can cope with (i.e. a dose that will cause bradycardia), so a PM is implanted so that more can be given.

Steve