Through a loop recorder we found long pauses in the heart

[Jonathan_C]

I am intentionally posting this on the AFib Support forum, but see i have also been encouraged to post on the British Heart Foundation section (I don't know which is correct, but am more familiar with this part of the forum).

In June I went for what I thought would be a routine check up. My EP downloaded the detailed data from my loop recorder for the first time since it was installed in August 2023 (long story as to why it was the first time) and discovered that my heart had irregular but quite frequent pauses - as long as up to 20 seconds.

I could go for as long as 6 weeks with no pauses, and then over a week have pauses every night - most were less than 5 seconds, others a bit longer. It was a massive shock to be told at age 50 that i should have a pacemaker put in, which I had put in successfully on Friday (19 July).

I will report back in due course if i notice any change from the pacemaker. I have experienced lots of unexplainable sensations over the last few years and am hoping the pauses were the root cause of at least some!

The real purpose of this post is to draw attention to the pauses, which I was completely unaware of so that other people in afib should consider watching out for them.

[bantam12]

I also had long pauses and although my pacemaker prevents those long ones I still get the brief sensation of one starting before my pm kicks in.

Take things easy while you recover from the procedure.

[CDreamer]

My husband had same but with symptoms of pre-syncope, pacemaker implanted and no further problems. He was diagnosed with SSS = sick sinus syndrome ie: the heart’s pacemaker occasionally went haywire. That was 10 years so he has just had had a replacement PM.

It’s not that uncommon and it doesn’t only happen to people with AF but once you have one arrythmia it seems to are likely to collect more.

The procedure is very quick and the recovery straightforward although you will not be able to lift your left arm above shoulder height for 6 weeks.

In a few months you will be unaware of it and will have the reassurance that all will work well.

[BobD Volunteer]

Suggest you tie your wrist down to your waist at night to avoid pulling the wires out in that first six weeks. A simple sling made from crepe bandage is what I used.

[Jonathan_C]

How long did it take you to feel normal after the procedure?

I am trying to work out if I am still suffering from jet lag or the procedure (and the fentanyl).

There are also a *&#@load of emotions I am working through.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

The best test is 24hr Heart Monitor.

I had 3 x of them in 2021 as changes were finally made to my meds.

The culprit Metoprolol was finally banned (I never wanted it) as it made me breathless during the day with 185 Heart Rate and pauses at night.

Heavens 20 second pauses surely you would blank out!!!???

I'm glad you are still with us!

And now you have relief.

Take care, JOY. 75. (NZ)

[Jonathan_C in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

98% of the pauses happened when I was asleep. But very very valid c comment. The only meds I take are an anticoagulant.

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Jonathan_C]

Hi

No meds??? For AF?? You con't have AF?

You are young I think for a PM.

I hope everything pans out for you. Did the pause awake you?

Coud you be diagnosed with Sleep Apnea then?

I didn't awake with my pauses.

But when I said NO to Metoprolol and was still given it, my, that is an issue in itself.

The Dr at the hospital overrid me because I wsas told "EVERY STROKE VICTIM GETS METOPROLOL".

Really even I said it will make me breathless.

Actually research admits that BISOPROLOL is heaps better for AF patients.

It's good that you are on antico-agulants. I was on no meds before the stroke.

cherio JOY

[Jonathan_C in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I had ablations in 2017 and 2019, + 5 cardioversions during that time. I have tried a few different AF meds but my afib persists!

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Jonathan_C]

Hi

AF will persist mine does not if it is controlled the symptoms are less.

Although because of an abnormal heart structure probably due to a persistent high heart rate 186 Day for 1 year 5 months and 156 heart rate for 9 months I believe that at least ablations scarring your heart are not a natural procedure for dealing with AF.

I take Diltiazen as an anti-arrhymnic med instead of Flec.. which is not recommended for me anyway.

Research moves up a notch and procedures get better and better.

I believe scarring the heart leaves one at the risk off slowing down your heart. A rapid heart rate like mine can be controlled but a slow heart rate is detrimental don't you think?

Your poor heart!!!

I do have issues with having to stop while my blood circulates fully, and I can no longer run my 100m and win and walk 12miles a day - not even 1 mile but after the stroke with AF and thyroid cancer, and ill treated by medical I'd rather have a complete heart.

cherio JOY

[Jonathan_C in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I have an abnormal heart - I am told I am an anatomical anomaly every time I have a serious procedure! That's the source of the problem.

Yes, meds can't treat a slow heart rate which is why the pacemaker was seen as the best option.

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Jonathan_C]

Hi

I said heart structure abnormality.

That would have made you unsuitable for an ablation. But some EPs will do it anyway regardless as they will get paid.

I recently had a PET/CT Scan which show any cancer, abnormalities etc. Apart from an inflammed left hamstring, bladder scarring, a dot in my right lung, 3 areas being researched for thyroid cancer return still nothing to compare so repeat in 6 months and a warm pituitary gland which a MRI proved normal, I am at 75 years UNREMARKABLE. Funny word eh! No alzheimers, Parkinsons or another brain abnormality. But it did show the white matter of the left frontal lobe stroke and apparently at sometime (old) I had right lobe encephalis disease. Had 2 occasions of very high temperatures.

They didn't go into my heart.

They were looking for thyroid tissue - cancerous which has possibly metassitated.

So I'm a fine speciman otherwise. Thyroidectomy in Feb 2020 and the start of covid.

cheri JOY