Pace Maker

[TommoHFC]

Hi everyone I don't post much, but read posts on a regular basis.

I'm in permanent af ,have been for about two and a half years.

Currently suffering with breathlessness

And fatigue. I'm supposed to see cardiologist on 20th December. However the nurses strike will probably cancel that appointment.

There's a lot of knowledgeable people on this site .

I would just like to ask if anyone knows.

How dose a cardiologist decide to offer a pace maker ?

Also how successful would it be ?

Many thanks for any replies.

As I don't post very often .Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2023.

[BobD Volunteer]

PM generally not just for AF. If your heart rate drops and you have pauses causing fainting yes but seldom just for AF,

[Fibber222]

I had paroxsysmal AF and began to get dizzy spells culminating in a fainting episode where I cut my head open. I was fitted with a pacemaker set to stop these spells and was told it wouldn’t stop the AF. However, coincidentally I went into persistent AF at the time of fainting so I don’t notice the AF now.

[Barb1]

My 5th ablation could not put me back into SR. EP advised that it was best for the AF to get on and do its own thing but to stop my heart from being affected by it. My HR was almost constantly between 180 and 210. He said it was like I was running a marathon 24/7. Hence the Pace and Ablate.

[TommoHFC]

Ok thanks for your replies. I don't think I would be a candidate for one. All the best.

[2learn]

Hi, had a pacemaker fitted, last Dec 21. I'd just had open heart surgery for mitral valve repair and my heart was pumping too low around 40. Complicated decison as I was paying patient, covid was rampant, it was Xmas and no visitors allowed and the option to stay in hospital for another 2 or more wks to see if my heart recovered naturally wasn't really a goer, so opted for pacemaker solution and went home on 22nd Dec21. Must say pacemaker clinic at local hospital have been very helpful and check and adjust as necessary.

Pacemaker stops my heart beating less than 60.

[KipperJohn]

I’m under review for a possible 2 lead pacemaker for the left and right ventricles as I have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction plus permanent AF and left bundle branch block. Currently being managed with a medication care plan and regular blood tests etc as meds are changed/increased. Heart failure was found through echocardiogram. I would have thought a pacemaker would only be offered after a clinical review of all relevant tests and your symptoms.