pacemaker and a fib

[President2012]

I have had paroxysmal A Fib since 2001. In recent times I developed sick sinus syndrome and long pauses. In March this year I was given a dual chamber pacemaker. I have had no A Fib episodes since until this morning when I woke up with it thumping away. Disappointing but I suppose it had to happen. My question relates to my heart rate. In the past I used a Kardia to obtain my heart rate but I am told it is unreliable if you have a pacemaker. A BP monitor is also unreliable so how can I check it? Using my finger on my wrist or carotid nerve and trying to count is difficult. I do not think it is too fast so I am not unduly concerned. Should I just forget about it. ? Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Probably. Pulse check is the only reliable way and of course that depends to some extent on your pacemaker. You do not mention having an AV node ablation so I suspct you have been very lucky so far. Maybe CDreamer will comment as I know she has a dual chamber (three lead ) whilst mine is only two lead.

[President2012 in reply to BobD]

thanks Bob. No, I did not have an AV node ablation. Before getting the pacemaker I was having episodes every five or six days so six weeks was good. I usually convert in 8 to 12 hours it will be interesting to see what happens. I would be happy with that kind of interval between episodes but I am possibly kidding myself.

[baba]

I have a single lead pacemaker for similar reason. I’m in permanent AF with heart rate between 60-90 mostly, goes higher when exercising, not sure how high as I don’t check.

I still use Kardia occasionally if I’m feeling a bit unwell, just to check. Mine is set to kick in if heart rate drops below 50.

[President2012 in reply to baba]

thanks. Mine is set at 60 and was told it does not pace over 130

[Buffafly]

If you feel ok the speed is irrelevant. Some people can be in AF at 170 and have no idea and others feel dreadful at 100. So forget about it ❤️‍🩹

[President2012 in reply to Buffafly]

many thanks. I converted to NSR at 11.30 so the episode lasted 7.5 hours. I am also on Multaq which helps.

[CDreamer]

I still use Kardia & Apple Watch and I would say that in my experiences yes all these devices may be unreliable because the pacemaker may cause interference- but that depends upon the pacemaker an if whether or not you are pacemaker dependent, the type of pacemaker and other variables. For me, with my condition & type of pacemaker with very occasional AF it’s reliable enough and corresponds with my pacemaker readouts of dates and duration of episodes.

Best wishes

[President2012 in reply to CDreamer]

thanks for that. I did actually try the Kardia afterwards. There was a lot of noise but watching the heart symbol it did seem to beat to what so was feeling. It said it was possible AF. I would be very happy if I get away with an episode every couple of months. I used to get them every week. I think the pacemaker stopped two possible A Fibs over the past couple of months. I felt a bit of a gap and the the PM kicked on with three or four fast beats and things went back to normal. They are amazing machines. Keep well.

[mjames1]

You can try an inexpensive stethoscope, that you or someone else can use to listen to your heart rate.

Jim

[President2012 in reply to mjames1]

thanks.