Pulse rate after PM

Hi everyone,
Had my metal mate since 2009 for SSS,I was told the bottom rate was set at 60.
I also get Afib.
Yesterday had bout of what I thought was Afib but pulse very slow at times 48 or 50.
Now I thought it couldn't go below 60. Is this correct or am I just a bit dumb.
Returned to sinus rhythm in about 2hrs after taking a flecainide 50 mg and a soluble aspirin.
Episodes of Afib increasing.
Appreciate any comments.

5 Comments

Base rate

by golden_snitch - 2014-04-29 04:04:01

If the base rate is set at 60, your heart rate should not go as low as 48-50. It can sometimes happen that it goes down to 58 or 59, but should definitely not be 10 beats slower than programmed - unless a so called hysteresis has been programmed, allowing your heart rate to drop below the lower programmed rate.

Aspirin and atrial fibrillation, sounds like your doctor is not up to date. It's not not better than a placebo, in fact increases the risk of bleeding, and has therefore been removed from guidelines regarding stroke prevention in Afib patients. Some interesting articles on that:

http://www.escardio.org/about/press/press-releases/pr-14/Pages/aspirin-overprescribed-stroke-afib.aspx

http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/412/Dr-Albert-Waldo/aspirin-not-effective-for-atrial-fibrillation-stroke-prevention

Best wishes
Inga

Slow pace

by Sunnydaze - 2014-04-30 03:04:14

Lizzie...it sounds like your PM needs to be reprogrammed. If the low setting on your PM is set at 60, your paced heartbeat should remain within a beat, or two, of 60. You might want to consider going to your EP, or Cardio doctor for a PM check.

I, too, have SSS, with the occasional A-Fib. I've had my Medtronic Enpulse PM since 2005. It has been a God send!

Slow pace

by Lizzie - 2014-04-30 03:04:27

I do have a Dr's apt soon. Will check. Jst ddn't seem right to me. Been ok since.thanks for comjents.

Slow pulse

by Lizzie - 2014-04-30 05:04:15

Hi again,
I rang the heart Clinic techs who sad nothing to worry about. Probably took my pulse wrong. Not sure still, i nursed for over 25 yrs, think I know how to take a pulse rate.
Will check with GP next week.

Slow pace

by Lizzie - 2014-04-30 05:04:23

Hi again,
I rang the heart Clinic techs who sad nothing to worry about. Probably took my pulse wrong. Not sure still, i nursed for over 25 yrs, think I know how to take a pulse rate.
Will check with GP next week.

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