AF and COPD

[Lymolass]

Does anyone have any experience of persistent AF and moderate COPD? Breathlessness is a huge problem for me, and the lung specialist thinks the AF is the major contributor. So am on the list for an AV node ablation and pacemaker. What I’m wondering is -is it likely to make enough of a difference? I’m 79 so would prefer a short term better QOL as opposed to a longer term invalidity. Thanks for any advice.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Try this

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Lymolass in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

thanks but nothing relevant

[CDreamer]

There have been numerous posts on the AF forum about Pace and Ablate and the majority of experiences were positive with posters saying that they experienced a decrease in symptoms, were more active and less SOB. That being said, not sure how many also had COPD.

I had pacemaker (CRT) implanted in 2018 in preparation for P&A but pacemaker on it’s own worked so well I didn’t go ahead with the AV node ablation. It is a big decision as once made there is no going back and you will be pacemaker dependant.

It will be very hard to say if it will make enough of a difference for you if the medics cannot tell exactly what part AF is having on your SOB. What I do know is that if you have a CRT pacemaker you are less likely to progress to heart failure which is a risk for those in permanent AF.

[Lymolass in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks for that. I already have partial heart failure so feel this is the right way ahead, even though its really scary. My pulmonary specialists think the AF is more of a problem than the COPD. I wold just like to get away from the panicky feelings of a jumping-about heart, and I reckon the pacemaker will do that. But I have three months to think about it because that is how long the waiting list is,!

[CDreamer in reply to Lymolass]

Be aware that P&A will NOT stop the AF so you may still feel sensations of AF but your pulse will be regular as the connection between the upper (atria) and lower (ventricle) will be ablated so the two will work completely independently of each other. That information is not always communicated clearly.

The panicky feelings may subside but self talk and various other psychological therapies such as breath work and relaxation, meditation and exercise will help. Believe it or not humming is really helpful, along with singing which all help to balance the fight/flight response which is those panicky feelings.

Hope that helps and best of luck.