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advice please re high heart rate and recommendation of cardioversion

JFJ131 profile image
59 Replies

hi, I saw a consultant yesterday after an echocardiogram. TBH I came out not having asked enough questions and am annoyed at myself. Basically he said ‘we need to get your heart rate down’ and prescribed me 10 mg daily bisoprolol. I had been taking between 2.5 and 5 mg since being told in April by A&E that I had a fib, but tbh I have (foolishly ) been taking these off and on. Presume this is why my rate has remained high…. Silly on my part I know …. So… as my heart rate is generally always 120 ..130 (except middle of the night I have seen it at 70), that’s why he said to take 10mg. He also said he will get me in ‘when possible ‘ potentially in a month or so, for cardioversion.

What I should have asked is … do we not try controlling via medication first ? Also, how dangerous is it - remaining at that high rate? Is it usual to try cardio version at this stage?

also, am wondering how quick would the start …just taken this morning …of this big dose of bisoprolol start to work?

Sorry to sound a bit all over here…but just feel lots of unanswered questions?

I would appreciate if anyone can advise if similar experiences? thanking in anticipation..

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59 Replies
Borderterriorist profile image
Borderterriorist

If your cardiologist is saying that your HR needs to be lower then I think you should follow his advice and take the 10mg regularly. 120/130 is definitely too high and if he's offering you a cardioversion in a month or so, he's actually rushing you through as IME normally you'd have to wait a lot longer. I hope the bisoprolol works for you. Did you tell him that you have not been taking your lower dose of bisoprolol regularly? I'm not a doctor and hopefully someone else will post on your thread but I don't think it's safe to take 10mg of bisoprolol if you haven't already been on a lower dose and have built up some tolerance. When I was in hospital, although I'd been taking 1.25mg of bisoprolol they gradually increased the dose (titrated). I'm not certain about this but would not like

Borderterriorist profile image
Borderterriorist in reply toBorderterriorist

sent to soon! meant to say that if cardiologist doesn't know I'd check with your GP or the hospital.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toBorderterriorist

hi....thanks for your reply. It is a bit concerning tbh...Not only did he say to take 10 mg...but he prescribed it as once a day in the morning. I was a bit concerned this morning taking such an amount, especially when it says in the information slip in the box that it is normally taken as 5mg twice daily!

Borderterriorist profile image
Borderterriorist in reply toJFJ131

If your cardiologist knows that you've not taken your previous dose regularly, it will be OK, try not to worry. I had my dose upped to 10mg but unfortunately it didn't work for me, so they changed it to 7.5mg twice daily, so you are not on the maximum dose. However I think they will want to get it down asap. I was booked to have an ablation but because I have atypical atrial flutter I needed a different procedure so I had a cardioversion instead which was very effective and kept me symptom free for nearly two years. I had it done as a day patient and was absolutely fine the next day, really nothing to worry about. You will need to be driven home though. After my cardioversion I was still taking a low dose of bisolprolol and a blood thinner. I know you asked about private treatment, purely by luck I saw my NHS consultant privately before I saw him on the NHS. He refused to do an ablation as he couldn't guarantee it would be successful and it is quite pricey and advised me to stick with the NHS for actual procedures but I have seen him again when I've felt the need to have a longer time to talk through my options and I've thought it was money well spent.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toBorderterriorist

Hi…thanks again for getting back. Regarding private treatment, being honest, I could not afford actual procedures etc. But was asking about private consultations…just so I could ask questions to get clear info and this sound like you had such an arrangement? Is that so? … that you paid for time in effect to be able to get the info needed?

Thanks too for the reassurance about bisoprolol and the max dosage.

Borderterriorist profile image
Borderterriorist in reply toJFJ131

Yes, for a chance to have time to talk but I would have paid for an ablation if the consultant had agreed to do it as until I had the cardioversion I was in flutter and although the meds kept my HR down I felt very tired. I also have LLLB and a grade 1 heart block so my HR could become very low even on 1.25gm of bisoprolol. I now have a pacemaker to ensure my HR stays above 60bmp and I take 5gm bisoprolol am and pm + a small dose of digoxin. We're all different and respond differently but I was at one time taking 7.5mg of bisolprolol am and pm and still had a high HR most of the time even when asleep, the pacemaker was only kicking in 3% of the time but now most of the time I'm in the very low 60's so I guess the pacemaker is stopping it from dropping into the 40's or even lower. It can be difficult to count your HR especially if you have some ectopics chucked in as well and my BP machine won't work unless my rhythm is OK so I find a pulse oximeter quite useful. Bisoprolol gives me cold hands so I also make sure they are warm before I use it or that won't work either! Keep a check on your HR and if it stays up I'd contact your GP or consultant . fwiw it took about a week before the digoxin settled my HR.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toBorderterriorist

Many thanks for your replies . Very best wishes

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toBorderterriorist

Many thanks for your replies . Very best wishes

Desanthony profile image
Desanthony in reply toJFJ131

If you have not told your consultant that you have not been taking the bisoprolol as you should have previously then please do contact his secretary and get them to tell him and check with him that you are OK to now carry on at the higher dose. Just call the hospital and ask to be put through to his secretary. If this is hard to do - and goodness I know how hard it can be - leaving messages is pointless so do try to actually speak to his secretary, then get an appointment with your GP and discuss this. You are really lucky to have been offered a cardioversion it's not unusual to be offered one this early - I would have had one in the November after my diagnosis in the May but the hospital closed to out patients because of norovirus - eventually had one the following May after one in the March being cancelled due to Snow - which actually didn't affect our area that badly - indeed the day I should have been at the hospital having the cardioversion we were shopping in the same town.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toDesanthony

Thanks for reply. Much appreciated, best wishes

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toDesanthony

Thanks for reply. Much appreciated, best wishes

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toBorderterriorist

also, another question if you don’t mind….how long does it take to see or get the outcome of a new medication? What I mean is when you say the 10 mg did not work for you…at what point /how long after starting that dosage was it determined that it was insufficient for you? Thanks

Desanthony profile image
Desanthony in reply toJFJ131

Different for everyone so hard to say how long it takes for a medication to work but 3 - 6 weeks is a good guide.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toJFJ131

Did the specialist say what was causing the tachycardia? Is it persistent AF? I have read that a high rate can cause ventricular problems in some people along with valve issues, but this seems often to be reversible. After my ablation for atrial flutter, my heart recovered its pumping capacity ("ejection fraction" or EF) fully.

From my experience, 10mg bisoprolol is a perfectly safe dose, with up to 20mg being allowed. I took 10mg while I had a persistent rate of 155bpm. It still didn't work well enough, however, as happens with AFl apparently, and, eventually, digoxin was added, which worked well. Other drugs that are used are amiodarone and dofetilide, I believe.

Steve

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toPpiman

Hi Steve, tbh I should have asked those questions that you have asked…and that’s why I am frustrated with myself. I think I was just a bit shocked at his suggestion of increasing bisoprolol to 10mg and that he said I need cardioversion. Also, we are all so frightened of taking their time…silly but…

Your reply about 10mg being safe and sharing your experience is reassuring to me - thank you. And best wishes.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toJFJ131

You and me, too. I never ask the right questions. In fact, the last time I had an appointment, I typed out a few question but one way or another, he didn't answer most of them.

I think the reality for most of us is that the doctor knows we are safe and that it is we who are fearful - unnecessarily so. I have been told that the issues we have, being all in the atrium, feel far worse than they really are. Clearly, a few people do have a seriously bad time with AF and need hospital treatment, but for most, I think the worst symptom is fear, which, because it sends the heart rate up, causes a vicious circle.

I was told that compared with the anti-arrhythmic drugs (such as sotalol and flecainide), beta-blockers like bisoprolol are rather safe drugs. I would have no concerns in your case given that you are under a specialist.

In my case, I also have something called "bundle block" (LBBB - another conduction issue). This can cause me to have a low heart rate at times, so adding in a high dose of bisoprolol isn't now a good thing (even 2.5mg made me a bit light-headed). Oddly, when I had the tachycardia from the atrial flutter, back in 2019, I was able to take 10mg without issue, although my heart rate did on occasion fall to 38, if I recall. The specialist just said that so long as it isn't symptomatic, it was fine. I have been told that I can raise and lower the dose myself as required, too, up to 5mg. Ask your GP about this, if I were you. GPs have a lot of experience of AF and its treatment.

Steve

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toPpiman

Again, many thanks Steve. Can I ask …did you develop bundle block more recently, … just with you saying you could take high dose bisoprolol in 2019, sounded like you did not have bundle block then? Hope you don’t mind me asking.

‘I typed out a few question but one way or another, he didn't answer most of them.’- this made me smile…I think we can all relate to this lol

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toJFJ131

Sorry for the typos!

I did have it back then, but I can only think it worsens, or, perhaps more likely, when my heart was persistently racing, it didn't matter to take a high dose. The ablation stopped the atrial flutter and, from that point, I didn't need any other treatment except an anticoagulant. That was until AF raised its head around a year later.

I was thinking - maybe ask your GP about taking digoxin? It was another sufferer here who advised me on that and it truly changed things for me.

The report to your GP from the specialist should state what the cause of the racing heart seems to be. Have you asked? You ought to have been sent a copy.

Steve

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toPpiman

Thanks again for your reply. I should have asked the doctor that I know…in fact I am concerned that he did not tell me what is causing it. As you say I will get copied into a letter I suspect. Many thanks for your help

priya_uk profile image
priya_uk

Hi there, my dad's HR was that high as well a few weeks ago and he has been able to bring it under 100 now with daily dose of Digoxin 125mcg and Bisoprolol 2.5mg daily dose.

Hopefully you told him that you took it on and off.

British heart foundation is very helpful if you have any questions regarding doses and medication but also speak to your local pharmacist as they have a lot of knowledge on this. I had to try multiple pharmacists before I found one with good knowledge.

All the best with your health.

ozziebob profile image
ozziebob in reply topriya_uk

Yes, for all Forum members, it's good to be reminded (even if accidentally against the "rules"?) that the BHF have a free phoneline available to talk to a cardiac nurse.

Sadly I cannot give the number, nor it seems should any of us even mention the BHF by name, as Admin quickly deleted my previous effort saying "we discourage from advertising or naming external companies on the forum". Go figure!

I have now shared my warning with the Forum! Unless the warning was just for me.🤔 Perhaps?

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131

thank you for your reply...yes, i have seen a few people comment about digoxin...And good idea about ringing the British Heart Foundation. Silly of me, but I did not think of that, so thank you. Best wishes to you too.

ps...yes i did say i took it 'on and off'...but being honest...i questioned myself after the consultation if he 'listened' to that....all very frustrating....

mav7 profile image
mav7 in reply toJFJ131

Excellent advice by all above but encourage you to follow up with your doctor about your concerns since he has the facts about your case and echo.

Google "bisoprolol NHS guidelines" and you will see your doctor is correct about dosage. Also, it is recommended to take in the morning since you will be more active during the day. If dizziness or other side effects are a bit much, seek advice about nightime dosage.

yes i did say i took it 'on and off'...but being honest...i questioned myself after the consultation if he 'listened' to that....all very frustrating....

:) I and others sometimes have the same issue. Don't be disheartened, doctors sometimes have this trait. But thankfully, I have yet to find my arrogant cardiologist wrong. :)

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply tomav7

Many thanks

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply tomav7

Hi

Um.

I take my control heart rate AM.

I take my control BP at PM.

Why .. firstly a CCB amd BB need to be separated. Told to me by NZ Heart Foundation Nurse who worked under my private H/Specialist.

secondly I had my stroke at 2am. BP rises early morning.

thirdly as my heart rate is lowat night 47avg bpm reducing the heart rate further at night would be dangerous.

Work around my body clock at all times.

I was lightheaded when I started on 1/2 dose (360mg full) 180mg and this was reduced to 120mg CD.

Since regulating my Heart Rate I have been able to undergo 2 further operations (not heart) which were necessary. Anaesthetists make it clear it your Heart Rate is over 100, we cannot operate.

Drs have a tendency just to put up meds prescribed by Heart Specialists. But 2 Beta Blockers not controlling the rate should have been a warning of wrong med for this person. I went to 10mg Bisopolol and the 24hr H/monitor showed 156 bpm still.

That is why it's important to have an interested specialist. Heart Specialists cover every aspect of the Heart including the suitability of an ablation. . EPs are ready to operate.

I never got to an EP because of structural damage.

cherio jOY. 75. (NZ)

priya_uk profile image
priya_uk in reply toJFJ131

Glad it helped. I'm new on the AF forum and only sharing what I have learnt in the last 3 months. People are incredibly helpful here. You could always book a private consultation with an EP to get a second opinion. I would prepare any questions I have and also prepare a file of medical history so far. I never assume doctors have seen my records and always summarise my medical history in first 2-3 mins for them.

All the best.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply topriya_uk

Sound advice! I will do, thanks

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply toJFJ131

I too , forget to ask half the questions. I have private health care here in South Africa so I visit my Cardiologist annually. This year I decided to write everything that I have had, taken, effects etc. including drugs prescribed by my GP, and left him to read this 'tome' while his assistant organised the ECG and Echo😄

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

Hi there. It's all very scary when AF joins the family, isn't it?Are you in AF all of the time or now and again?

You mention that you thought they would give down the medication route first, which is usual but requires compliance by you and you've admitted you have been naughty on that score.

Certainly, question why something is being prescribed and question again if you're sure of the answer.

To be honest, I would jump (no pun intended) at a cardioversion if I was in AF most of the time.

I've had about 8 in 8 years and yes it's daunting but the relief you feel when it's done is great.

I didn't realise quite how bad I'd felt until I felt normal again.

Hopefully, the Bisoprolol will do the trick until you get in for the cardioversion.

Let us know know how you get on.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toDucky2003

Yes seem to be in AF all of the time. Thanks for reply and comments. Best wishes

Jonhel profile image
Jonhel

Hi. This time last year, my medication was titrated over time in order to get my heart rate down. I ended up on 12.5 Bisoprolol, as well as Rivaroxoban and Candersartan. Digoxin was also introduced. I’d been suffering from breathlessness/air hunger and was admitted to hospital in one occasion. To be honest, I think that the digoxin led to the most improvement. Despite, my persistent AFib, I felt quite well by October, although the high dose of Bisoprolol caused bouts of tiredness. I took all of my tablets on a night to limit the tiredness though the day.

I had my cardioversion nearly three weeks ago. It worked but my heart rate was low and I ended up in A&E a week later. I posted on here about my concerns. Anyway, the clinic reduced my Bisoprolol to 7.5 and after five days I began to feel much better. I’m still in sinus rhythm and my heart rate has risen (still below 60 though). I’ve just been away for the weekend with friends and I’ve had no problem keeping up with them on some challenging walks. World of difference from this time last year. So far, so good!

It seems that getting the balance right can be quite a journey and I know that cardioversions don’t always work full time. In my case, it’s definitely been worth a try though x

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toJonhel

Lovely reassuring reply, thank you. And best wishes.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

Just putting up Beta Blockers first Metoprolol and the Bosoprolol DID NOT CONTROL MY RAPID EART RATE. 186 & then 156 Day Heart Rate is not controlling and unacceptable for QOL.

Firstly after the Stroke with rapid & Persistent AF I was left on 186 bpm Day for 1 year 5 months but like you Night rate was below 100 mine at 47avg bpm my normal,

A new Locum joined our clinic and she had experienced AF but had an ablation in Australia. She referred me to the best heart specialist in Northland. Like most Chinese Drs they are interested and excellent. I'm not sure why the hospital H/Specialist left after the 2nd 24hr Heart Monitor clearly showed that BBs wern't going to be right for me.

So for the last 2.1/2 years my med regime is:

AM CCB Diltiazem 120 CD for heart cotrol - now 60s Day

PM BB Bisoprolol 2.5mg for BP control. My ststollic was high. 120-135 /. 82.

Of course an anti-co-agulant PRADAXA 110mg.

I also take thryroxin for hormone replacement because on 4th day of my helicopter hospital stay the carotid scan showed a shadow on my thyroid. A FNA found Paoillary Cancer a carcinoma 19mm x 7mm in my right lobe & bit in left lobe. A Thyroidectomy was carried out in Feb 2020 under lots of arguments by the Endocrinologist to delay unril 6 mths post Stroke but it was done at 4 mths.

Do get your thyroid checked out. The thyroglubin serum moving up can be an indicator.

Otherwise can you say why you have developed AF.

After ECHO, ECG and 24hr Heart Monitor they decided that too much structural damage (caused by being left at such high heart rates ) I cannot have a cardioversion (2 types) by shock treatment or by using an anti rrhymnic med , both which have risks.

CCB Diltiazem acts like an anti-rhymnic med but if no ventricle problems it is safe.

Otherwise rhythn could go hey why and get worse.

Patience and always jot down any questions. I lost 3kg which helped too.

Do concentrate in having a Heart Specialist who is interested in your plight as we are all different.

I have had no palpitations, flutters or pain since my diagnosis Sept 2019 5 years ago. Except 2 weeks ago on Day 4 & 5 I endured a second's uncomfort of a flip inmy heart 2 and 1. But at that time I had a UTI which had not been medicated for. It was on Day 7 and the mild vertigo left me.

Apart from the symptoms of not walking far and having to stop in my tracks at exertion. Dr says that blood not circulating efficiently.

I hope they can sort it for you to give you confidence in your QOL (Quality of Life).

cherio JOY 75. (NZ).

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131

thanks for your reply joy and sharing your journey. As you say, we are all different, but it’s wonderful to have this forum for support, reassurance and to share knowledge. Best wishes to you.

Clock01 profile image
Clock01

Hi, I know this is not central to what you asked, but it might be useful. I hope so.

Google 'Vagus Nerve' and maybe look on YouTube how to calm it. I use this often. It works and is quick and easy. Find a video that you like the look of.

It's usually breathing, and very simple stretching exercises or massaging your ear. I know it sounds a bit cuckoo 😄 but this nerve is huge, runs directly behind your heart and has branches from your brain to your stomach. It's vital and you can calm it down by just simple, quick things and it slows your heart rate.

No need to buy anything from anyone, just find a video that appeals - I know some are a bit 'new agey'! But a lot of doctors also post about it.

Best wishes. 😀

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131

yes…I have heard about this and keep thinking I must check it out but have not yet, but.. fate, …your message will nudge me to do this today. Here’s hoping . .

Many thanks for your reply and advice. Very best wishes.

Jonathan_C profile image
Jonathan_C

I have had quite a long and storied combination of treatments and interventions for a-fib. I am not a doctor, but I would choose and recommend a cardioversion over using meds.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toJonathan_C

Appreciate the comment. Would be interested in your experience… presume I can look this up on your profile or history of communications. Best wishes

Jonathan_C profile image
Jonathan_C in reply toJFJ131

Towards the end of 2015 I was diagnosed with a-fib - I have used flecanide (which my body didn't love, but when it worked it was better than being in a-fib), I have had 5 cardioversions and 2 ablations.

A cardioversion is not a major procedure - and I experienced no after effects. I live in South Africa and have medical aid, so I realise that access to medical care is much easier/quicker than elsewhere.

My personal view, as a non medic - is to get the cardioversion as soon as and then you will probably be told to stay on flecainide for a few weeks before slowly weaning off it. That's a potential high road for you. No one with any credibility will give any guarantees, because they can't.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toJonathan_C

Many thanks for your advice and sharing your experience

Fullofheart profile image
Fullofheart

Hi there, talking as a non medic but someone who has had those high rates and for a long time...

do we not try controlling via medication first ?

Arguably they have tried that, without success. The higher rate dose might help but it might also come with a load of side effects (I couldn't tolerate even low dose of bisoprolol, made me breathless and dizzy). But I could tolerate other drugs.

Also, how dangerous is it - remaining at that high rate?

It's ideal for HR to be under 110. It depends for how long it's left like that. The Body can cope pretty well.

I developed heart failure from untreated AF but I'm talking 20 years of AF, 10 years persistent and untreated. I always managed the higher rates family well but would get dizzy over 140.

It doesn't pose an imminent threat.

Is it usual to try cardio version at this stage?

Well, yes if they can't get the heart rate down. It's a pretty straightforward procedure, for them and for you. It might not "last" but it will let them know if you are a candidate for ablation, as well as hopefully getting you out of that high rate. Its a day procedure. You don't feel anything

also, am wondering how quick would the start …just taken this morning …of this big dose of bisoprolol start to work?

It's pretty fast acting I think. I was given it in A and E a few years back (having never had it before) when my HR was stuck at 150 plus and it brought it down enough for me to go home that night.

Hope this helps.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toFullofheart

Hi, yes that is a great help. I so appreciate this forum and people like yourself sharing your knowledge. Your answers are very helpful to me. If you don’t mind… how can you know you had AF for 20 years and untreated for 10?

Fullofheart profile image
Fullofheart in reply toJFJ131

Not quite sure what you mean by the question, but I know because I experienced it that whole time. I was diagnosed at age 29 but not properly treated until 46.It was untreated cos back then there were less treatment options and the cardiologist I saw back then discharged me cos he didn't think I was a candidate for ablation. The dominant thinking then was that it wouldn't cause any harm, and was just a quality of life matter. I developed allergies due to the meds so they stopped them and just advised to live My life as I was unlikely to have a heart attack. They didn't discuss stroke risk or heart failure risk.

So it was left to run its course.

My cardiologist now is excellent and despite there only being a slim chance of success he advocated for ablation. My EP did 3 in one year. I am extremely grateful for their proactive stance and tenacity.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toFullofheart

Thank you for explaining this…I just wondered why no treatment ..but shocking they just left it ‘run its course’ ..sorry to hear that and now wonderful that you have a good EP. Very best of luck to you and thanks

Ewloe profile image
Ewloe

I take my bisoprolol in 2 doses. Morning and bedtime. As a high dose in the morning lowers my blood pressure too much. I was told the sooner you get a cardio version the better. It’s got more chance of working if it’s done before 12 months of being in AFib. Good luck

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131

many thanks. Best wishes

jd2004 profile image
jd2004

10 mg Bisoprolol and flecainide were prescribed to me years ago. This worked until after Covid. Imperative you take it every day. I moved on to Digoxin but it made me feel terrible so I now take Amiodarone until I reduce weight for an ablation.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply tojd2004

Thanks for your reply

wilsond profile image
wilsond

To add to comments below:At any health appointment I take a notepad, with questions I want answering, with space below for answers.

At the end ,I ask them to wait while I scan through to check.

They are trained and paid to help us!

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply towilsond

True … and thanks

DawnTX profile image
DawnTX

I can tell you from my own experience keeping your heart rate high. It is damaging. I know because. took too long to find another doctor and I had steady tachycardia usually around 180 sometimes higher. This was on medication and thankfully my anticoagulant. I ended up with heart failure. Luckily my new doctor caught it at a good time. My ejection rate was around 40% not good. I had a cardioversion when I first started seeing the doctor in October. they are trying to get your sinus rhythm where it belongs however it doesn’t usually last long although what it does is amazing. I woke up with a heart rate of 82 and I could feel the difference the moment I became conscious from the anesthesia. I was smiling and felt so good for the first time in quite a while. Unfortunately, it only lasted 3 1/2 weeks. They decided to do a second and when they got me into rhythm, I was going to be kept in the hospital for five days. they put me on a new medication that needed to be monitored 24 hours a day. The cardioversion was a complete failure. I will cut to the chase. I ended up getting a pacemaker. that’s a whole other story. They didn’t have one for me but thanks to my. I am not only still here, but I have a state of the art, unique pacemaker, and fail normal which I never thought I could feel again.

because of the timing getting the pacemaker, my heart was able to start resting. It had been straining since I had my first attack and then it really got bad after my third ablation. I was in such a state of depression. I did nothing when my doctor or anyone from his office would return a call, I probably should’ve gone into the ER. Happy ending here so far is that my heart rate has improved and my ejection rate is now in the 70s, which is good even for people without a heart problem. I am 72.

my pacemaker is set at 60 that is my resting sleeping heart rate one month at a time he dropped it. They don’t just do it all at once. Your heart has to get used to going slower and working properly. unless I am extremely stressed high for me now is about 84 or it was I am due for a check up. My medication had been changed. I don’t know how effective it has been when I am doing things, but 84 Made my Cardiologist unhappy, which is why he doubled my Metropol so I take 50 a.m. and 50 p.m.

please do everything you are told you only have one heart. I never had a cardioversion until we got to the final step which was going to be the pacemaker and AV node ablation. I have read many people on here have had a dozen that stuns me. it should only be used. I think when you are extremely slow or extremely fast. causing damage unfortunately just like ablations some doctors use it like they do medication. It is not a toy. They checked me to make sure there are no clots, etc. and that’s a whole other fun part of the cardioversion before they start. I had general anesthesia both times FYI, from what I understand not everyone does another thing I don’t understand

I only had two ablations since I started with a fib. I had a third when I moved to Houston area, but at that point I was really doing poorly I could barely walk or stand. The third ablation was done by the pioneer of it a new type that failed and scarred me so badly that my EP would not even consideranother ablation because I have so much scarring from it. The only other one I’ve had was the AV node, but that is necessary to work with the pacemaker and it’s a different type of ablation for a different reason.

I would ask what happens if the cardioversion stops working or fails to begin with ask how many times they do cardioversions on one person. Then ask them if it fails what’s next. If you’re a doctor makes it sound like he could be giving them the rest of your life I would run. Ask him what the game plan is.

I think you should also be honest and start from scratch. Let him know you were not taking medication as you should’ve been. He may want to wait a month or so with you on it constantly to see if you have changes. that could save you a lot of things to go through I’m not very good at taking my meds, but I have learned because it’s a lot worse having the other things done. I don’t skip on purpose sometimes it’s a matter of oversleeping and throwing myself off schedule, so I decided to do what my cousin does and I set an alarm

I used to laugh and say I’m not good at taking medication. If my life depended on it I’d probably be dead. That was about simple things like an antibiotic. I’m not laughing now with everything that I am on the one medication. My cardiologist has begged me to never miss is my anticoagulant. If I miss my Metropol, usually my heart will remind me when I get that. thud

We only have one heart

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toDawnTX

Many thanks for your reply. Best wishes

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toDawnTX

Many thanks for your reply. Best wishes

Sweetmelody profile image
Sweetmelody

My HR, too. right now is in the 120’s. I’d already be scheduled for a cardioversion ASAP, except I’m getting a pacemaker next week, finally and thank heavens. I’ve had 9 cardioversions. It’s a simple, painless procedure. More of a nuisance to have to go through than anything else. For me, anyway. But worth it.

When I’m back in NSR afterwards, I feel good again. It feels like a miracle. Post-cardioversion NSR for me has lasted anywhere from one year to five days. It’s too bad CV’s don’t “cure.” They are often only a temporary fix, but a lot preferable to being in afib and atrial tachycardia.

I’m in the U.S. I’ve never had to wait a month for a CV. I’ve had two at the ER when I presented with a HR in the 130’s and above. For a CV at my medical center, the wait is between three days and one week. I’m sorry you have to wait so long. CV’s can bring immediate relief and support your drug regimen. Good luck!

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toSweetmelody

thanks for your feedback/sharing of info. best wishes

Bear910 profile image
Bear910

So sorry to hear about your high heart rate. I was in hospital for a week at the end of June as they tried to get my heart rate below 130-150 (atrial flutter not fib). In the end morning and evening flecainide brought it below 100 so I was able to get home. They were talking to me about a cardioversion before the evening dose of flecainide finally brought my HR down but I hadn’t been on blood thinners at that point, so the consultant had suggested a TOE (camera) to check for clots - which sounded worse than the cardioversion to be honest. They sent me home on Apixaban (as well as bisoprolol, digoxin and flecainide) so that if i needed a cardioversion the camera wouldn’t be needed and it would be much safer. I think you should go back and check if you should be on some kind of blood thinners in advance of a cardioversion.

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toBear910

many thanks - very informative. just to advise, maybe i did not explain correctly, but the consultant did start me on anti-coagulants. Yes, the TOE sounds unpleasant! best wishes to you.

JerrysGirl3 profile image
JerrysGirl3

boy you sound just like me when I see doctors. I get thrown all off course and forget questions or ask the wrong questions or not enough questions and I beat myself up afterwards for not asking the right questions. 🙁. Sometimes i think it's somehow purposefully done by doctors. Catching us off guard or changing the subject . I was called by my surgeon while he was driving and ended up having surgery the day BEFORE our first visit 😳😳. And I'm still clueless about my surgery. And I end up blaming myself for not listening and asking the right questions.

You can always calls again, ask for a virtual and come prepared with questions although that doesn't always work

JFJ131 profile image
JFJ131 in reply toJerrysGirl3

yes, all frustrating eh. its hard to think straight when with them! thanks for your reply. best wishes

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