AV - Ablation and Tachycardia-Bradycardia

[bgzcle]

I have been diagnosed with Tachycardia-Bradycardia, a condition I have l had for many years. I must admit I did not have many physical or annoying symptoms, but had had periodic high blood pressure readings even while taking 50mg of Metoprolol daily. I also had occasional pulse readings ranging from 150-180 BPM on the high end and 30-40 on the low end, of course I was also taking 10mg of Eliquis daily to assist in preventing stroke. Three months ago, at the abvice of my Cardiologist-Electrophysiologist, I had a pacemaker implanted and it did a great job in controlling my lower end heartbeats, but did little for the high beats and blood pressure which were reduced somewhat, but continued. After a recent visit and consultation with my doctor, he suggested I go forward with an AV node ablation, since I already was being somewhat controlled by a pacemaker. Yesterday, I had the procedure. I feel fine today and my early blood pressure readings have dropped into the normal range as with my pulse.

My question is has anyone else had an AV ablation for Tachycardia-Bradycardia and can you offer your experience, good or bad??

[Ppiman]

I haven’t but see a day coming. I have various arrhythmias not the same as you. A PM can only speed up a slow heart, I gather. It’s sad that no way exists to slow a fast heart except surgically.

Steve

[bgzcle in reply to Ppiman]

Unfortunately or maybe fortunately ... not many of the AFIB diagnosed have Tacky-Bracky. You must put your life into the beats of a Pacemaker. The question is it as or more reliable then the heartbeat?? It is definitely more stable. My first setting is 80 bpm for the next 3 weeks, then scheduled to be down 10 to 70 on my way to a final 60 bpm. Since my AV ablation my blood pressure dropped 30 points SYS 110 and my DIA is in the 70's and 80's and my pulse always 80 now. So overall I am beginning to feel a little better, the doctor says with each 10 bpm drop it should become even better. When you make this decision never make it lightly. there is no going back, no reversal, you will always be dependent on the Pacemaker for life. AV Ablation is the last chance for Tacky-Bracky

[Ppiman in reply to bgzcle]

Thanks for the explanation - lots to think about. I have left bundle branch block so can’t take anti-arrhythmia drugs, leaving fewer options I imagine.

Steve

[Quilter43]

I had two..Both times helped but then afib returned . Aside from fatigue I have only had a few incidents of palpitations I felt..went to ER a couple of times. I also had a pacemaker put in as pauses of 456 seconds. not sure if I really needed it..got different opinions and was confused. Anyway done. Not sure the state of my fib presently..Maybe will have to have a third ablation down the line. who knows.

[JeanetteH]

I have had AF for many years 3 PVI ablations and a pacemaker fitted.My pulse is slow due to Sotalol but I recently had atrial flutter 130 bpm and had a cardioversion but had atrial flutter again twice but periods of AF too.Some cardiologists advise me to have an AV node ablation but Im concerned that I will go into persistent AF as they stop all medications but apparently they say you cant feel it as the pacemaker will take over.One doc told me to live with atrial flutter.

[bgzcle in reply to JeanetteH]

I wish I could help advise you, but each person must educate themselves and consider the advise of their own medical professional. I can tell you about me, that is all. I now have had my AV ablation for one week and I feel really good. Occasionally I feel small palpitation, but nothing that concerns me. I'm still running a pulse of about 80 as set by my cardiologist in my pacemaker, in two weeks they he will lower it to 70. My blood pressure really dropped and has stayed stable at 110-120 over 75-85. I'm still on blood pressure medication, but I'm hopefully I can be take off in time. My doctor says to stay on my reduced dosage and come down a little at a time. So what can I say after one week ... So far no regrets and overall things are better. What is the long term outlook, my doctor thinks it's good. Time will tell.

[JeanetteH]

Thanks.I have a chest infection and taking antibiotics.I am having Afib and A flutter again.It slowed down to 80bpm if i rest but irregular.This is 14 hours now.AV node ablation beginning to look more likely but I read some people feel unwell after as they stop your meds so may get perm AF altho you cant feel it ?